The Briefing with Albert Mohler: April 25, 2025 – Presbyterian Church USA Ends Mission Agency

Introduction

On the April 25, 2025 episode of The Briefing with Albert Mohler, host R. Albert Mohler, Jr. delves into the significant news that the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) has decided to terminate its missions agency and dismiss its missionaries worldwide. Mohler offers a comprehensive analysis of this development, situating it within the broader narrative of theological shifts in American mainline Protestantism. Additionally, the episode features a series of listener questions, allowing Mohler to address contemporary issues faced by Christian families and individuals.

Background: PCUSA Ends Its Mission Agency

The episode opens with Mohler reporting the closure of the PCUSA’s Office of Presbyterian World Mission. Citing Greg Garrison of the Birmingham News, Mohler states:

“The Presbyterian USA, a mainline Protestant denomination that has historically been one of the most influential Christian missionary sending agencies, recently fired missionaries around the world and ended its foreign mission agency.” (00:04)

He further explains that the Office of Presbyterian World Mission was dissolved at the end of March due to a merger with the Office of the General Assembly into the Interim Unified Agency. While this may appear bureaucratic, Mohler emphasizes its profound impact:

“It means the end of organized missions through the Presbyterian Church USA.” (00:04)

Historical Context: Conservatives vs. Liberals in Mainline Protestantism

Mohler provides a historical overview, tracing the roots of the current situation back to the early 20th century. He highlights the struggle between conservative and liberal theological factions within American denominations, particularly focusing on the Presbyterian Church.

“During the late 19th century into the early 20th century, the encroachment of liberal theology in American denominations became profound. This came to a great battle between conservatives and liberals.” (Transcript)

He underscores that this battle centered on essential Christian doctrines, such as the virgin birth of Christ, and the rise of modernism aimed at reconciling Christianity with the scientific age. Mohler notes that conservatives like J. Gresham Machen responded by forming institutions like Westminster Theological Seminary to preserve confessional Presbyterianism.

The Impact on Missions: The Shift in Theological Commitment

Mohler connects the decline of missions within the PCUSA to the broader theological liberalization of mainline Protestantism. He argues that as denominations abandon essential doctrines, the missionary impulse diminishes.

“If you don't believe that persons will go to hell if they do not hear the Gospel and believe and repent of their sins and follow Christ, if you don't believe the Gospel is a matter of the distinction for eternity between heaven and hell, then guess what. The missionary impulse begins to fall away.” (Transcript)

He illustrates this with historical examples, such as missionaries in early 20th-century China who became increasingly liberal due to the complexities of their mission fields, leading to a theological slide within the denomination.

Reactions and Implications: Voices from the Denomination

The episode features reactions from within the PCUSA, highlighting both acceptance and sorrow over the closure of the mission agency. Reverend J. Wilkins remarks:

“That old system did work well in its time. But he went on to say, it's sad, it's not what it used to be, but this is the logical next step.” (Transcript)

Karen Ann Noel, a Presbyterian missionary to Costa Rica, expresses concern:

“We're witnessing a slow dismantling of one of our church's most defining ministries at a time when the world needs solidarity. The decision sends the opposite signal.” (Transcript)

Mohler also references an article by Eric Lederman in the Presbyterian Outlook, which includes comments from a PCA mission coworker in Honduras:

“We have no idea if they're letting half of us go. All of us are reconfiguring into something else entirely. The lack of communication has eroded trust.” (Transcript)

The Broader Lesson: Theological Commitment and the Future of Missions

Mohler synthesizes these developments into a cautionary tale for Christians, emphasizing the intrinsic link between theological convictions and the vitality of missions. He warns that without a firm belief in the Gospel's eternal implications, missionary work can become unsustainable both financially and ideologically.

“If you don't believe in missions anymore, guess what? It's because of a loss of confidence in the gospel. And guess what? Everything else is going to dry up and wither pretty soon, inevitably.” (Transcript)

Audience Questions and Responses

Following his analysis, Mohler addresses several listener questions, providing insights grounded in a Christian worldview.

1. Navigating Empty Nest Parenthood

   A listener shares the experience of becoming empty nesters and maintaining family closeness. Mohler responds by highlighting the modern advantages of communication and the importance of intentionality in maintaining family bonds.

   “I see the hand of God in that we know exactly why the Lord has them, where they are... intentionality in time.” (Transcript)

2. Obligation to Pursue Marriage

   A young man in law enforcement questions his obligation to marry, prioritizing his career over family. Mohler affirms the creation mandate for marriage and reproduction, while acknowledging the gift of celibacy for special service.

   “General biblical mandates don't have to be perceived as a matter of personal calling... it is the norm, not the exception.” (Transcript)

3. Jesus’ Perfection and Physical Injury

   A grandmother’s nine-year-old grandson asks if Jesus could have broken a bone despite being the perfect sacrifice. Mohler explains the theological significance of Jesus' perfection as a substitute sacrifice, emphasizing that His perfection surpasses Old Testament sacrifices.

   “Jesus is infinitely more perfect than the sacrifice in the Old Testament... perfect in every way, as our substitute on the cross.” (Transcript)

4. Paper Editions vs. Ebooks in Pastoral Ministry

   Ethan, a prospective pastor, inquires about the merits of paper books versus ebooks for building a library. Mohler champions printed books for their physical engagement and tactile benefits but acknowledges the practicality and searchability of digital editions.

   “If I have to choose one or the other, it's not even close. The physical book will win. But thankfully we don't always have to make that choice these days.” (Transcript)

5. A Four-Year-Old’s Expression of Forgiveness

   A father seeks guidance on his four-year-old son’s statement of forgiving his mother for spilling water. Mohler differentiates between theological forgiveness and everyday pardoning, appreciating the child’s understanding while clarifying the theological nuances.

   “Sometimes theological questions are just big and massive and... this is not one of those but... just an incredible theological achievement and a sweet expression from a preschooler.” (Transcript)

Conclusion

Albert Mohler’s April 25 episode of The Briefing offers a profound exploration of the PCUSA’s decision to end its missions agency, contextualizing it within the historical and theological shifts in American Protestantism. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful responses to listener inquiries, Mohler underscores the critical importance of maintaining theological integrity to sustain missionary endeavors. The episode serves as both a reflection on current ecclesiastical trends and a call to action for Christians to uphold the Gospel’s centrality in all aspects of faith and practice.

Notable Quotes

• Albert Mohler on PCUSA Missions Closure:
  “The Presbyterian USA... recently fired missionaries around the world and ended its foreign mission agency.” (00:04)

• Reverend J. Wilkins:
  “That old system did work well in its time. But... it's sad, it's not what it used to be, but this is the logical next step.” (Transcript)

• Karen Ann Noel, Presbyterian Missionary:
  “We're witnessing a slow dismantling of one of our church's most defining ministries at a time when the world needs solidarity. The decision sends the opposite signal.” (Transcript)

• Mohler on Theological Commitment:
  “If you don't believe in missions anymore... everything else is going to dry up and wither pretty soon, inevitably.” (Transcript)

Further Information

For more insights and updates from Albert Mohler, visit albertmohler.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlbertMohler. For information on the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, visit sbts.edu, and for Boyce College, go to boycecollege.com.