Explore Presbyterian identity in a ‘dysvangelical’ age

Registration is open April 8 through May 6 for “Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America,” a free 90-minute online event made possible through per capita giving. 

The May 14 webinar will feature conversation between the Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderators of the PC(USA)’s 226th General Assembly, and the Rev. Ted V. Foote Jr. and the Rev. P. Alex Thornburg, authors of the book “Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America: A Guide to Reclaiming the Good News of God’s Grace.” Participants will receive a special discount on the book upon registration.

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The webinar is part of the ongoing series produced as part of the denomination’s Office of Leader Formation, a ministry of Presbyterian Life & Witness that focuses on the continuing spiritual and theological formation of ruling elders and deacons. Offered several times each year, Leader Formation webinars provide opportunities for church leaders to engage core Presbyterian theology, reflect on personal beliefs and strengthen leadership for congregational life.

“Our Leader Formation ministries focus on the continuing formation of deacons and ruling elders by providing experiences that help us learn more about our denominational theology while also helping us think more about our personal theologies and beliefs,” said Martha Miller, assistant stated clerk for Ministry Education and Support in Presbyterian Life & Witness.

Miller, a ruling elder, said the May webinar is designed to connect theological reflection with the lived experience of the wider church.

“I am excited for ruling elders and deacons to be able to engage with the authors and the Co-Moderators as they discuss the content of the book while also hearing more about what the Co-Moderators have heard and seen throughout their term of service with the church,” Miller said. “My hope is that these leaders will be able to connect what they hear to their own congregations and reflect upon how it might impact their leadership.”

The authors of the book at the center of the conversation are Foote, professor of pastoral ministry and leadership at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and Thornburg, pastor of Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa. Published by Westminster John Knox Press in 2025, the book responds to what the authors describe as a growing distortion of Christian language and theology in American public life.

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The authors discussed the book on “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” last fall, where they described “dysvangelical” as a term for theology that twists the good news of God’s grace into messages of fear, exclusion and partisanship. Thornburg told the podcast that some ideas being promoted under the banner of Christianity are incompatible with the gospel, saying, “Just don’t call it Christian, because it’s not.”

Foote added that the book seeks to reclaim the gospel of grace at the center of the Reformed tradition. “The gospel of grace is where we all have ultimate value,” he said, contrasting it with voices that seek to narrow who belongs at God’s table. 

During the webinar, Armstrong and Larson will weave those theological insights together with stories gathered while traveling the church during their term as Co-Moderators, offering participants a window into how Presbyterians across the country are navigating faith, culture and leadership.

The webinar will be held May 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Interpretation will be available in Korean and Spanish upon request during registration. While a recording will be available afterward in English, leaders are encouraged to register by May 6 to participate fully and take advantage of language access and the book discount.

Registration information is available through PC(USA) Leader Formation.