III. The Book of Church Order Flashcards
(40 cards)
Are there any matters in the BCO with which you differ?
Are there any with which you cannot conscientiously comply? If so, please explain your views in each case.
What are the 2 parts of the constitution of the PCA?
Westminster Standards of Faith
- including Confession
- larger and shorter catechism
Book of Church Order
How may the parts of the constitution of the PCA be amended?
- Book of Church Order :
- Approval by majority of General Assembly
- The advice and consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the Presbyteries.
- The approval and enactment by a subsequent General Assembly by majority
- Standards
- Approval by (3/4) of General Assembly,.
- The advice and consent of three-fourths (3/4) of the Presbyteries.
- The approval and enactment by a subsequent General Assembly by (3/4)
- This paragraph (BCO 26-3) can be amended only by the same method prescribed for the amendment of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the church.
What are the 4 parts of the BCO?
- Preface
- Form of Government
- Rules of Discipline
- Directory for the worship of God
What are the 3 sections of the preface of the BCO, and what is its purpose?
- The King and Head of the Church
- Preliminary Principles
- The Constitution defined
Establish Jesus as the only King and head of the church such that we do not create our own church but receive charge from him for the running of his church and is present in his church by Word and Spirit. The Principles the government of the church as a whole. And lay out the constitution and is relationship to the Scriptures.
Distinguish between the power of order and the power of jurisdiction.
Power of Order: ecclesiastical power exercised severally (preaching, administering Sacraments)
Power of Jurisdiction: ecclesiastical power expressed jointly in Church courts after the form of judgment
What are associate members, and what are and are not their privileges?
Believers temporarily residing in a location other than their permanent homes. Such Become associate members of a particular church without ceasing to be communicant members of their home churches. All the rights and privileges of that church, with the exception of voting in a congregational or corporation meeting, and holding an office in that church.
What are “extraordinary officers and gifts”; do they continue in the church today?
Apostles and prophets who had extraordinary gifts necessary for the completion of God’s Revelation to the church. No they have no successors, as God completed his revelation at the end of the Apostolic Age.
Defend from Scripture: One ecclesiastical office using the terms elder and bishop.
- (episkopos): Bishop=overseer
- (presbyteros): elder–older
- Acts 20:17, 28 Paul calls for elders of the church in Ephesus to cme to him in 17, the HS has made you overseers in 28
- Titus 1:5-7 Elders qualifications “for “overseers” must be above reproach”
- I Peter 5:1-2 Elders are to exercise oversight
- I Timothy 3 and 5 overseer in 3, and elder in 5 but have the same role of ruling and teaching
What is the difference between an assistant pastor and an associate pastor?
- Associate pastor is called by congregation and sits on session
- Assistant called by session
What are the three areas of jurisdiction belonging to a court of the church?
- Session - a single church
- Presbytery - over what is common to the ministers and sessions and churches in a prescribed district
- GA - matter as concern the whole Church
Is the congregation a court of the church? What authority does a congregation have?
No. They elect elders to the session
In what sense are the courts of the church one, and how is that unity expressed?
- Higher court cannot impinge on authority of lower courts–even in appeal
- One in nature with same elements, rights & powers
- All resolve questions of doctrine and discipline, and maintain truth and righteousness, condemning erroneous opinions against the peace, purity, or progress of the Church. Each court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction, but the lower courts are subject to the review and control of the higher courts. These courts are not separate and independent, but every act is the act of the whole Church performed through the appropriate organ.
Which court of the church has the responsibility “to require ministers to devote themselves diligently to their sacred calling and to censure the delinquent”?
Presbytery
What are the quorum requirements for a session meeting?
- If pastor
- 4+ RE: 1 TE and 2 RE
- less than 4 RE: 1 TE and 1 RE
- If no Pastor
- 5+RE: 3 RE
- less than 5 RE: 2 RE
Who approves and adopts the church budget?
The Session
What are the six categories of records that a Session must keep?
- proceedings
- baptisms
- communion members
- noncommuning members
- deaths
- dismissions
What is the role of the Presbytery with respect to the call of a minister to a particular work?
Minster holds membership in presbytery
Accountable to presbytery
Ordination and installation
No minister, licentiate or candidate shall receive a call from a church but by the permission of his Presbytery. When a call has been presented to the Presbytery, if found in order and the Presbytery deems it for the good of the Church, they shall place it in the hands of the person to whom it is addressed.
What are the Constitutional limits on General Assembly?
- Serve and not direct church judicatories
- Not establish but execute policy
- Serve through duties given by GA
- Include proportionate representation of all presbyteries
- Equal number of RE and TE
What is the significance of a deliverance of the General Assembly for the lower courts; what is the significance of its judicial decisions?
- Deliverances are to be given due and serious consideration
- Judicial decisions are to be given due and serious consideration
- Binding and conclusive on the parties directly involved in the matter
What are the permanent committees of the General Assembly?
- Administative Committee (AC)
- Commitee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM)
- Mission to the World (MTW)
- Mission to North America (MNA)
- Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)
FIVE OF THEM
Under what circumstances can a man who is qualified in knowledge and ability, his Christian walk and reputation, and his inner calling not be ordained to the office of Teaching Elder?
Not elected by the church
Not approved by court of the church
Under what conditions may an associate or assistant pastor succeed a senior pastor?
- 4/5 majority vote by secret ballot
- 3/4 approval vote by Presbytery
- Intervening service of work before Senior Pastorate
Describe the process for electing and ordaining a ruling elder.
- Men in good standing who are qualified are nominated by congregation
- Instruction in qualifications/duties
- Session reports eligible candidates
- Congregational meeting and vote
- Ordination and Installation
