Home : The Voice : August 2002 

General Assembly:
A Lasting Experience

by Davis Brooks

The morning of Friday, June 14, I boarded a plane and headed
for Columbus, Ohio, for the 214th General Assembly. General Assembly didn’t officially start until Saturday, but the youth advisory delegates (YADs) were asked to arrive a day early for an orientation and dinner. Friday night, we gathered for pizza and fellowship. It was really neat meeting the other YADs from around the country.

While the commissioners and observers were arriving on Saturday, the YADs were offered further orientation about what to expect during the coming week. Although YADs and other advisory delegates don’t have an official vote on issues discussed at General Assembly, their votes are tallied and shown prior to votes made by the commissioners. Votes from the advisory delegates often influence decisions made by the commissioners. The advisory delegates also are allowed to speak on the floor about their views on Assembly issues, and they also are actively involved in their respective committees, which bring reports and recommendations before the Assembly.

General Assembly officially started late Friday afternoon with the opening ceremony in which I had the honor of carrying in the Sheppards and Lapsley banner. Following the short ceremony, Rev. Jack Rogers, the moderator of the 213th General Assembly, called the assembly to order.

The first order of business was to elect our new moderator. After an introduction to the three candidates, and a question/answer period, a vote was taken. The assembly elected Rev. Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel. He is originally from Israel, but currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He proved to be a wonderful leader. He entertained us with his humor, but also kept everyone focused and in order.

On Sunday there was the Opening Service of Worship and Holy Communion. The Rev. Jack Rogers delivered the sermon entitled, “Ambassadors for Christ,” which was the theme of this year’s General Assembly. The local Presbyterian congregations joined the advisory delegates, commissioners, and observers for worship. All the choirs from the local Presbyterian Churches joined together providing wonderful music for the service. It was a truly amazing service.

The committees met for the first time Sunday evening. I was on the Christian Education committee, which I really enjoyed. For the next few days the committees met during the mornings, afternoons and evenings. After many long hours of discussions, it was time for the committees to bring their business to the Assembly.

On Thursday morning, everyone gathered together to review for approval each committee’s report. Issues both big and small were debated. The assembly made many important decisions with help from the advisory delegates. Some issues were more controversial than others. No matter how controversial a topic was, however, the Assembly was able to come to a decision.

I think every one of the delegates from our Presbytery would agree that it was a very exciting, educational, yet tiring week. At the same time, there is no doubt in my mind that because of the dedication, perseverance, and hard work from the commissioners and advisory delegates, the 214th General Assembly proved to be a success. Being able to see how our church works was a truly awesome experience. I want to first thank The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley for allowing me to represent them at the 214th General Assembly. Also, thanks for all the prayers and support the commissioners and I received. I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful group as the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. My experience will be one that will stay with me forever. May God bless you all!

Davis is a student at Auburn University and a
member of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.