EQUPPING THE SAINTS POLITY 101-201 FOR …...New marks of the church F-1.0302 One Holy Catholic Apostolic One: Because in Christ the Church is one, it strives to be one. To be one

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*PART ONE: CONFESSIONS AMENDED BY 2/3 VOTE OF PRESBYTERIES

*PART TWO: BOOK OF ORDER AMENDED BY MAJORITY

VOTE OF PRESBYTERIES

Teacher: Wm. Knudsen, EP3

The Presbyterian Church was born

out of the fires of the Reformation

...and under the leadership of a

French Lawyer by the name of

John Calvin…who believed that the

reformation of the church was

essential if we were to get back to

the Bible as the sole source of

authority for the Church.

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Teacher: Wm. Knudsen, EP 4

� Connectional Church=we believe in one body, one Lord, one faith, one baptism we belong to the holy catholic (universal) church.

� Constitutional Church=We do God’s work decently & Orderly

� Covenantal Church=We make promises to God and to each other

The church, in obedience to Jesus Christ, is

open to the reform of its standards of

doctrine as well as of governance.

The church affirms Ecclesia Ecclesia reformatareformata, ,

sempersemper reformandareformanda secundumsecundum verbum verbum

DeiDei, that is, “The church reformed, always to

be reformed according to the Word of God”

in the power of the Spirit. F-2.02


� F = FOUNDATIONS OF OUR

PRESBYTERIAN POLITY

� G = FORM OF GOVERNMENT

� W = DIRECTORY OF WORSHIP

� D = RULES OF DISCIPLINE

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� God’s Mission: to transform creation and

humanity through the proclamation of the

good news to all people offering to all people

God’s grace at font and table and calling all

people to discipleship in Christ. F-1.01

� Jesus is the head of the Church F-1.02

� The Church is the Body of Christ F-1.03

� The Creeds and Confessions declare who we

are and what we believe F-2.01

�We uphold the affirmations of the

Protestant Reformation F-2.04

�Solo grati=Grace alone

�Solo fide=Faith alone

�Solo scriptura=Scripture alone

� We acknowledge the Tenants of our

Reformed Faith F-2.05� The Mystery of the Trinity (Catholic)

� The Incarnation of the Word of God, Jesus (Catholic)

� Justification by Grace through Faith (Protestant)

� The Authority of the Scriptures (Protestant)

� The Sovereignty of God (Reformed)

� The Election of God’s People (Reformed)

� The Covenant Life of the Church (Reformed)

� Stewardship of God’s Creation (Reformed)

� Total Depravity (Reformed)

� Obedience to God’s Word directs us to work for Justice and the transformation of society (Reformed)

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F-1.0304 The Great Ends of the Church

The great ends of the Church are:

� the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of

humankind;

� the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the

children of God;

� the maintenance of divine worship;

� the preservation of the truth;

� the promotion of social righteousness; and

� the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

HISTORICAL PRINCIPLES

That “God alone is Lord of the conscience,

and hath left it free from the doctrines and

commandments of men2 which are in

anything contrary to his Word, or

beside it, in matters of faith or worship.”

HISTORICAL PRINCIPLESThat all Church power, whether exercised by the body in

general or in the way of representation by delegated

authority, is only ministerial and declarative;

; that no Church judicatory ought to pretend to

make laws to bind the conscience in virtue of their own

authority; and that all their decisions should be founded

upon the revealed will of God. F-3.0107

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HISTORICAL PRINCIPLES� There is only One Church particular congregations

constitute the one church

� The church is to be governed by presbyters (Teaching and

Ruling Elders)

� These Presbyters shall come together as councils:

sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly

� Presbyters are not to simply reflect the will of the people

but rather to seek together to find the will of Christ

� Decisions will be reached by majority vote

� Higher councils have the right to review and control

lower councils

�� SHALLSHALL and IS TO BE/ARE TO BEand IS TO BE/ARE TO BE signify practice that is mandated

�� SHOULDSHOULD signifies practice that is strongly recommended

�� IS APPROPRIATEIS APPROPRIATE signifies practice that is commended as suitable

�� MAYMAY signifies practice that is permissible but not required

�� ADVISORY HANDBOOK: ADVISORY HANDBOOK: suggested by the OGA but not required

�� TEACHING ELDER:TEACHING ELDER: replaces “minister” or “minister of word and sacrament”

�� RULING ELDER:RULING ELDER: replaces “elder”

�� COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER:COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER: replaces commissioned lay pastor

�� ORDERED MINISTRY: ORDERED MINISTRY: replaces “office” or “ordained office” or ordained officers with persons in ordered ministry

� COUNCIL:COUNCIL: replaces “governing bodies”

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� Flexibility for mission -� mandates functions, not structures

� Permissive rather than prescriptive

○ Prescriptive is regulatory: emphasis on mission and ministry rather than fulfilling regulations

○ Permissive is freedom to act within the broad principles

� Emphasis on the calling of all believers –� Membership as covenantal calling, not status

� Ministry as calling of all believers, not just ministers of the Word

� Recovery of the parity of presbyters -“Ruling” and “Teaching” elders (NOT MINISTERS AND LAITY)(NOT MINISTERS AND LAITY)

� Less hierarchical -“Councils,” not “governing bodies”


9. W-4.4003 i (1) (For ruling elder)

Will you

? Will you share in government and discipline, serving in councils of the church, and in your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?

Q: What are the different church councils?

The session is the council for the

congregation

� Membership is elected by the

congregation (Ruling Elders &

Teaching Elder)

� The session will meet at least 4 times

a year

� Duties listed in G-3.02


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Northumberland Presbytery meets 4 times a year

56 Teaching Elders

42 Churches

4,600 Members


The Synod of The Trinity: meets three times a year

and is made up of Teaching and Ruling Elders

from 16 presbyteries

Churches 1,266

Members 236,168


Meets every two years and is composed

of Teaching and Ruling Elders from 16

Synods.

16 Synods172 presbyteries10,691 churches1,870,943 members

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The Historic major decisions of the church have

been made in Councils which focused on seek to

do the will of God….

� The Council of Jerusalem—Mission to the Gentiles –Acts 15

� Council of Nicaea 325 AD—Jesus and God are one

� Council of Chalcedon 451 AD—Jesus is both human and

divine

� Council of Trent 1545 AD—Counter Reformation

� Second Vatican Council 1962—Reform of the church

liturgy into the vernacular

New marks of the church

F-1.0302

�One

�Holy

�Catholic

�Apostolic

One: Because in Christ the Church is one, it strives to be

one. To be one with Christ is to be joined with all those

whom Christ calls into relationship with him.

Holy: Because in Christ the Church is holy, the Church, its

members, and those in its ordered ministries strive to lead

lives worthy of the Gospel

Catholic: The catholicity of the Church summons the

Church to a deeper faith, a larger hope, and a more

complete love as it bears witness to God’s grace.

Apostolic: Because in Christ the Church is apostolic, it

strives to proclaim this gospel faithfully. The Church has

been and is even now sent into the world by Jesus Christ to

bear that testimony to others F-1.0302 The Marks of the Church

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Former “marks” now “Notes of Reformed

Church F-1.0303

Where Christ is, there is the true Church. Since the

earliest days of the Reformation, Reformed

Christians have marked the presence of the true

Church wherever:

� the Word of God is truly preached and heard,

� the Sacraments are rightly administered, and

� ecclesiastical discipline is uprightly ministered.

� Takes two years of “non-participation”

before deletion G-3.0204a

� Eliminates specification of length of time for

notice of a congregational meeting (regular

or to elect minister) G-1.0502

� Eliminates inactive membership roll but

allows congregations to have an inactive list

(register) if the session so desires.

(*NOTE: THEY ARE NOT MEMBERS) (*NOTE: THEY ARE NOT MEMBERS)

Three categories of church membership

G-1.04 G-3.0201 G-3.0204

� Baptized=has been baptized but has not made a

profession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior

� Active=has made a profession of faith and been baptized

and voluntarily submits to the government of the church

and participates in the life of the church

� Affiliate=is a member of another congregation who has

temporarily moved into a new community and wants to

be affiliated with the church but keep their membership

in their church of record.

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Other Participants G-1.0404

� Persons who are not members of, or who may

have ceased active participation in , the PCUSA

are welcome and may participate in the life and

worship of this church and receive its pastoral

care and instruction.

� No voice or vote at congregational meetings

� Still requires session action to remove from

active roll

� Session must notify when member is removed

Required Registers G-3.0204b

There shall be registers for the following:

1. Register of baptisms authorized by the session

2. Register of Ruling Elders and Deacons ordained

and installed with dates of service

3. Register of Installed Pastors with dates of

service

4. And other registers that the session may deem

necessary i.e. marriages

� Establishment of a quorum for Session and

congregational meetings

� Establishing criteria for reviewing membership G-3.0201c

� Establishing term of service for treasurer G-3.0205

� Adopting a sexual misconduct policy G-3.0106

� Develop a manual of administrative operations G-3.0106

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� Establish adequate notice for meetings G-1.0502

� Establish size and composition of nominating committee

G-2.0401

� Establish parliamentary authority (Robert’s Rule or

something else)

� State Specific aspects of financial administration G-3.0205

� Strategy for participating in Wider Councils G-3.0202

�Ordered Ministry instead of “officers

of the church” G-2.0102

� Presbyters = Elders

○Teaching Elders

○Ruling Elders

� Deacons (0PTIONAL)

○Board of Deacons

○ Individually Commissioned

Each Council will determine its own

qualifications for ordained ministry G-2.0104

Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s

desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus

Christ in all aspects of life (F-1.02).

The council responsible for ordination The council responsible for ordination

and/or installation (G.2.0402; Gand/or installation (G.2.0402; G--2.0607; 2.0607;

GG--.0306) shall examine each candidate’s .0306) shall examine each candidate’s

calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability

for the responsibilities of ordered ministryfor the responsibilities of ordered ministry.

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Each Council will determine its own

qualifications for ordained ministry G-2.0104

The examination shall include, but not be limited

to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and

commitment to fulfill all requirements as

expressed in the constitutional questions for

ordination and installation (W-4.4003).

Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the

Confessions in applying standards to Confessions in applying standards to

individual candidates.individual candidates.

Whole section on “duties of elders” reduced to

one paragraph (G-2-0301)G-2.0301 Ruling Elder Defined

As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government

of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons

with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and

governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should

elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having

demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in

spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over”

the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because

.

G-2.0301 Ruling Elder Defined

Ruling elders, together with teaching elders, exercise

leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and

discipline and

including

ecumenical relationships.

When elected by the congregation, they shall serve

faithfully as members of the session. When elected as

commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders

participate and vote with the same authority as

teaching elders, and they are eligible for any office.

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Corporation items stay much the

same

�Property

�Maintains trust language

�Maintains schism language

�Maintains 1983 exemption


10 minute break

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1. CHAPTER ONE: THE MISSION OF THE

CHURCH

2. CHAPTER TWO: THE CHURCH AND ITS

CONFESSIONS

3. CHAPTER THREE: PRINCIPLES OF

CHURCH GOVERNMENT

1. CONGREGATIONS AND THEIR MEMBERSHIP

2. ORDERED MINISTRY, COMMISSIONING,

AND CERTIFICATION

3. COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH

4. THE CHURCH AND CIVIL AUTHORITY

5. ECUMENICITY AND UNION

6. INTERPRETING AND AMENDING THE

CONSTITUTION

1. THE DYNAMICS OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

2. THE ELEMENTS OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

3. ORDERING OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

4. ORDERING WORSHIP FOR SPECIAL

PURPOSES

5. WORSHIP AND PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP

6. WORSHIP AND MINISTRY WITHIN THE

COMMUNITY OF FAITH

7. WORSHIP AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

IN THE WORLD.

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1. PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE

2. JUDICIAL PROCESS DEFINED

3. JURISDICTION IN JUDICIAL PROCESS

4. REFERENCE

5. PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS

6. REMEDIAL CASES

7. TRAIL IN A REMEDIAL CASE

8. APPEAL IN A REMEDIAL CASE

9. REQUEST FOR VINDICATION

10. DISCIPLINARY CASES

11. TRIAL IN DISCIPLINARY CASES

10. DISCIPLINARY CASES

11. TRIAL IN DISCIPLINARY CASES

12. CENSURE AND RESTORATION IN A DISCIPLINARY CASE

13. APPEAL IN A DISCIPLINARY CASE

14. EVIDENCE IN A REMEDIAL CASE OR DISCIPLINARY CASE

15. APPENDIXES:

� FORMS FOR JUDICIAL PROCESS

� ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT

� FORMULA OF AGREEMENT

� VISIBLE MARKS OF THE CHURCH UNITING IN CHRIST

� COVENANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KOREAN AND PCUSA

CHURCHES

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Teacher: Rev. Dr. Wm. Knudsen, EP 46

A class to help equip those who have been called to be Teaching and Ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church (USA)


When we think about God’s call upon our lives

we usually think about God giving us a

purpose for our lives.

What is the purpose of God

calling us?


2 Thessalonians 2:14

For this purpose he you through our

proclamation of the good news, so that

you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus

Christ.

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and

hold fast to the traditions that you were

taught by us, either by word of mouth or

by our letter.

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Who is Called & Who does the

calling?All who put their faith and trust in the Lord

Jesus Christ…

The Presbyterian church teaches that every

Disciple of Jesus is called to Christian service

or ministry!


�Collegial = shared with others

�Non-hierarchical = no ordination is

higher or better than the others

�Communal = it represents the

whole church not merely a

congregation


Ordination is done by councils made up of Teaching and Ruling Elders who jointly exercise the power of jurisdiction, rather than as an act done by persons who possess a power of order only they can transmit.

Sessions: Sessions: ordain Ruling Elders and Deacons G-2.04

PresbyteriesPresbyteries: ordain Teacher Elders G-2.05

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I Thessalonians 1:4-7

For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake.

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word

with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you so that you became an example to all the believers in became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.Macedonia and in Achaia.


As a Ruling Elder or Deacon you are set apart by a special act called ordination that makes you not only a disciple but an ordained minister.

As an ordained minister you have even a greater responsibility to not only live a Christian life but to be an example of a Christian life.

ByBy Your Words and Deeds!Your Words and Deeds!


� If you are going to ask people to participate in worship… you need to set the example.

� If you are going to ask people to tithe or give you need to set the example

� If you are going to ask people to participate in a work day you need to set the example.

� If you want people to pray and share their faith and go to Bible Study groups you need to set the example.

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Joseph Small the former Director of the Office of Joseph Small the former Director of the Office of

Theology at the General Assembly statesTheology at the General Assembly states:

Ministry within the church needs to be the responsibility

of all the leaders — deacons, elders and pastors,

Deacons have too often been relegated to serving coffee

on Sunday and sending flowers to shut-ins.

Elders have become the board of directors of a small

community service organization.

And ministers became clergy, and clergy have “emerged

as the dominate power in the church.”

Churches have become pastor dependant Churches have become pastor dependant

and pastor centeredand pastor centered.


The divided role of ordained leadership in the

church needs to change and the walls between

ordained offices torn down.

For instance deacons are called to “leading the

whole church in the ministry of compassion and

justice.”

Elders should “share equally in the administration

of the ministry of word and sacrament,” and the

“primary role” of ministers should be that of

“teacher of the faith.”


Collegial leadership Joe Small says clergy and laity are not Joe Small says clergy and laity are not Presbyterian terminology by Duane Sweep Presbyterian terminology by Duane Sweep


You are to as elders making sure that the following is being

done:� the Word of God is truly preached and

heard,

� the Sacraments are rightly administered, and

� ecclesiastical discipline is uprightly

ministered.*notes of the Reformed Church

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The session shall have responsibility for governing

the congregation and guiding its witness to the

sovereign activity of God in the world, so that the

congregation is and becomes a community of

faith, hope, love, and witness. As it leads and

guides the witness of the congregation, the

session shall keep before it the marks of the

Church (F-1.0302), the notes by which

Presbyterian and Reformed congregations have

identified themselves throughout history

(F-1.0303) and the six Great Ends of the Church

(F-1.0304).

The Session as a council of the church is responsible for the

mission and government of the particular church and has

the responsibility and power, as summarized here, to:

� receive members into the church

� lead the congregation in participation in the mission of

the church

� provide for the worship of the people of God including

preaching and the sharing of the Sacraments

� provide for the spiritual growth of its members

� develop and supervise the educational program

� lead the congregation in ministries of personal and social

healing

� provide for the management of the church's

property

� maintain regular and continuing relationships

with higher councils (governing bodies)

� establish and maintain all necessary ecumenical

relationships

� serve in judicial matters in accordance with the

Rules of Discipline

� keep an accurate roll of members

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� challenge the people of God in stewardship of money

and time

� establish the annual budget and other special offerings

� lead the congregation continually to discover God's

working in the world

� instruct, examine, ordain, install, and welcome new

elders (and deacons, where applicable)

� supervise the board of deacons (where applicable) and

all other organizations within the congregation

� provide for the administration of the church's program

Every Session will create a Manual of Operations that

should include the following:

� Articles of Incorporation

� Church Bylaws

� Standing Rules or Church Policies: i.e. personnel

(including job descriptions), weddings, funerals,

memorials, property use, etc.

� Sexual Misconduct Policy for Staff and Volunteers

G-3.0106

Teaching Elders (Ministers of the Word and

Sacrament) who are called to be pastors are

responsible for:

� studying, teaching, and preaching the Word

� administering Baptism and the Lord's Supper

� praying with and for the congregation

� encouraging the people in the worship and

service of God

� equipping and enabling the people for their tasks

within the church and their mission to the world

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� exercising pastoral care, devoting special attention to the

poor, the sick, the troubled and the dying

� participating in governing responsibilities including

leadership of the congregation in implementing the

principles of participation and inclusiveness in the

decision making of the church, and its task of reaching

out in concern and service to the life of the human

community as a whole

� sharing in the ministry of the church in the governing

bodies above the session

The minister as pastor has responsibilities with respect to

the worship of the people that are not subject to the

authority of the session or the congregation.

� the selection of Scripture to be read and its

translation

� the preaching of the sermon or the exposition of

the Word

� the prayers to be offered

� the music to be sung

� the use of drama, dance, and other art forms

W-1.4005

Persons of spiritual character,

honest repute, exemplary

lives, brotherly and sisterly

love, sincere compassion, and

sound judgment should be

chosen for this ministry.

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Deacons may be individually Deacons may be individually

commissioned or organized as a board commissioned or organized as a board

of deacons. of deacons.

In either case, their ministry is under

the supervision and authority of the

session. � Deacons may be assigned for the caring for members in

need, handling educational tasks, cultivating liberality in

giving, collecting and disbursing monies to specific

persons or causes, , or overseeing the buildings and

property of the congregation.

� Deacons shall assume other duties as may be

delegated to them by the session, including

assisting with the Lord’s Supper. (W-3.3616).

� A congregation by a majority vote may choose

not to utilize the ordered ministry of deacons.

� If the congregation has neither a board of

deacons nor individually commissioned deacons,

the function of this ordered ministry shall be the

responsibility of the ruling elders and the session.

� The sessions of different churches can have

different ways of organizing themselves.

Some sessions have moved to Ministry Teams

rather than committees.

� Each church adapts its own structure or no-

structure to suit its own needs and available

resources.

� The only committee required by the Book of

Order is a Nominating Committee

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Business to be transacted at meetings of the congregation shall be

limited to matters related to the following:

1. electing ruling elders, deacons, and trustees;

2. calling a pastor, co-pastor, or associate pastor;

3. changing existing pastoral relationships, by such means as

reviewing the adequacy of and approving changes to the terms of

call of the pastor or pastors, or requesting, consenting to, or

declining to consent to dissolution;

4. buying, mortgaging, or selling real property;

5. requesting the presbytery to grant an exemption for terms of

service as permitted in this Constitution (G-2.0404).

� Just as there are two kinds of session

meetings (stated and called), there are two

kinds of congregation meetings (annual and

called).

� While stated session meetings can consider

almost any topic on the agenda, the annual

congregation meeting has definite limitations

(see list above).

� Called congregational meetings are limited

to the topic for which the meeting is called.


10 minute break

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Are you willing to fulfill the

commitments you are

vowing to make as a Ruling

Elder or Deacon?


1. W-4.4003a. Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior,

, and through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

� Every Elder and Deacon should be able to share their spiritual journey and when you decided to put your trust into Jesus as your savior. What is your testimony or witness?

� What does it mean that Jesus is the Head of the Church?


2. W-4.4003b. Do you

� Are you reading and studying God’s Word on a regular basis

� How is the Bible for you unique from all other books?

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3. G-14.0207c. Do you sincerely

, and will you be instructed and led by those confessions as you lead the people of God?

Q: What does it mean to be Reformed?


� The Nicene Creed 4th C.

� The Apostles Creed 2nd C.

� The Scots Confession 1560

� The Heidelberg Catechism 1563

� The Second Helvetic Confession 1566

� The Westminster Confession 1647

� The Shorter Catechism 1647

� The Larger Catechism 1647

� The Barmen Declaration 1934

� The confession of 1967 1967

� Brief Statement of Faith 1991

Note: Foundations section: FNote: Foundations section: F--2.012.01--2.052.05


� 2 Creeds = What We Believe

� 4 Confessions = Why we Believe

(who we are as we interpret Scripture)

� 3 Catechisms = A study of What we

believe by asking questions and providing

answers

� 2 Statements of Faith = declarations

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-We are created for God’s Glory = solo Deo Gloria

-Jesus the Head of the Church = Solo Christus

-Saved by God grace through faith not works =

Solo Fide & Solo Gratia

-Scripture alone is the authority for doctrine = Solo Scriptura

-The Priesthood of all believers

-Two Sacraments: Baptism & Communion

-Predestination and Election of Saints


� The Mystery of the Trinity (Catholic)

� The Incarnation of the Word of God, Jesus (Catholic)

� Justification by Grace through Faith (Protestant)

� The Authority of the Scriptures (Protestant)

� The Sovereignty of God (Reformed)

� The Election of God’s People (Reformed)

� The Covenant Life of the Church (Reformed)

� Stewardship of God’s Creation (Reformed)

� Total Depravity (Reformed)

� Obedience to God’s Word directs us to work for Justice and the0 transformation of society (Reformed)

Note: Foundations section: F-2.04 and 2.05


4. W-4.4003d.

Will you

?

Q: What do we mean by the authority of scripture?

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Q: What do we mean when we say the Bible is inerrant or infallible?

inerrant=without error

infallible=without fault

Biblical authority is absolute in two areas: what we are to believe about God and How we are to Live our lives in obedience to God.


5. W-4.4003e.

Will you ? Will you be a

friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God's Word and Spirit?

Q: What does it mean to be a friend among your colleagues?

Q: What is the difference between a congregational Government, a Presbyterian Government and an Episcopal or hierarchal type church government?


Hierarchical

Leaders with great authority, who are not elected by the people. The people have no authority in major decisions.

__________

Roman Catholics

Eastern Orthodox

Coptic

PresbyterianLeaders with

sizable authority, who are elected by the people. People and leaders share authority in major decisions.

__________

PresbyteriansMethodist

Lutherans

CongregationalLeaders with less

authority, who are elected by the people. The people have all authority in major decisions.

__________Baptist

“Brethren”

AmishChurch of Christ

Christian Church

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Episcopate = bishop or (overseer) Phil 1:1 ; 1 Tim 3:1

Presbyter = elder Titus 1:5-7

LAOS = ( God’s people)Matthew 18:18-20


6. W-4.4003f. Will you in your own life

?

Q: If a member of the congregation had a problem with someone, how would you advise them to settling their problem?


7. W-4.4003g. Do you promise

Q: What do you think that vow means?

Purity is a matter of the heart, of present Purity is a matter of the heart, of present soundness, integrity, purity is a state of soundness, integrity, purity is a state of holiness in which God makes us Holy just holiness in which God makes us Holy just

as God is Holyas God is Holy..

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8. W-4.4003h

Will you

?

Q: Why is it important to rule with love?

9

W-4.4003 g (2) (For deacon) Will you

Q: what are some of this most important

characteristics of being a deacon?

Ruling elders and deacons shall be elected to Ruling elders and deacons shall be elected to

serve terms of no more than three years serve terms of no more than three years

on the session or board of deacons, and on the session or board of deacons, and

may be eligible for reelection according to may be eligible for reelection according to

congregational rulecongregational rule.

� However, no ruling elder or deacon shall be

eligible to serve more than six consecutive

years,

� a ruling elder or deacon who has served six

consecutive years shall be ineligible for election

to the same board for at least one year.

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A ruling elder or deacon may resign from the A ruling elder or deacon may resign from the

session or board of deacons, with the session’s session or board of deacons, with the session’s

consentconsent. .

� On ceasing to be an active member of a congregation, a

ruling elder or deacon ceases to be a member of its

session or board.

� When a ruling elder or deacon, because of change of

residence or disability, is unable for a period of one year

to perform the duties of the ministry to which he or she

was installed, the active relationship shall be dissolved

by the session unless there is good reason not to do so,

which shall be recorded.


9. W-4.4003 i (3) (For Teaching Elder) Will you

? Will you be active in government and discipline, serving in the councils of the church ; and in your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?

Q: How is a teaching elder different from a ruling elder?

Documents

EQUPPING THE SAINTS POLITY 101-201 FOR …...New marks of the church F-1.0302 One Holy Catholic Apostolic One: Because in Christ the Church is one, it strives to be one. To be one