“So, who would be the captain?” Hmmm. Making me think on a Monday morning?! I’ll try, but I make no claims for lucidity.

No pastor, elder, moderator, clerk, or governing body is captain. Our theology and polity forbid that! As a cradle Presbyterian, my only answer to your question can be Jesus Christ. At that point, the laughter stops.

I never saw “Titanic”. I don’t think my wife did either. We only said “Titanic” because we both feel at times like we’re on a sinking ship. We think the ship’s going down precisely because its crew acts like it doesn’t know who the captain is, let alone obeys orders. And we say this as liberals.

What came of the commandment to love one another as Christ loves us? It has been ignored in favor of the love of doctrine and power.

What came of the command to remove the log from our own eyes before taking the speck from our neighbor’s? No one can see to read that command because folks on all sides of the issues spend so much time jamming logs into everyone’s eyes.

What came of the command to go into all the world, including around the corner to that economically disadvantaged neighborhood filled with “minorities” who are quickly becoming majorities? Ask that question and watch people squirm in their pews. Preach that command and hear people grumble. Act on that command and find yourself tarred and feathered.

What came of Paul’s vision of the Church as the Body of Christ? It’s been forgotten in favor of that well known cry on sinking ships: “Every man for himself!” Every person, every congregation, every presbytery for itself. “We play this game by my rules, or I take my marbles and leave.”

You know the old remark about rearranging furniture on the Titanic? That’s what life in the PC(USA) feels like at times. We’ve got to keep up appearances, make sure everyone’s happy, and keep the coffers full. Meanwhile, the water’s lapping around our knees.

Instead, we should be refitting the ship, or better yet, dry-docking it entirely in favor of the leaner, simpler vessel Christ rode on the Sea of Galilee with his disciples. Sure, it’s a rough ride in such a small boat, but at least we’ll make the trip together.

That’s a good question, Bruce. I’m sorry I don’t have a more practical and satisfying answer.