Study Questions on Church Government and Discipline BCO

Question 1

Who is the head of the church?

Answer 1

Jesus alone is the head of the church.
“Jesus, the Mediator, the sole Priest, Prophet, King, Savior, and Head of the Church, contains in himself, by way of eminency, all the offices in His Church, and has many of their names attributed to Him by the Scrip-tures. He is Apostles, Teacher, Pastor, Minister, Bishop and the only Lawgiver in Zion.”24

Question 2

How does he exercise his authority?

Answer 2

Christ exercises his authority through his Word and Sprit by the ministry of men.
“it belongs to His Majesty from his throne of glory to rule and teach the church through His Word and Sprit by the ministry of men; thus mediately exercising Him own authority and enforcing His own laws, unto the edification and establishment of His Kingdom.
Christ, as King, has given to His Church officers, oracles and ordinances; and especially has He ordained therein His system of doctrine, government, discipline and worship, all of which are either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary inference may be deducted therefrom; and to which things He commands that nothing be added, and that from them naught e taken away.”25

Question 3

List at least two key principles of Presbyterian church government.

Answer 3

1. God alone is Lord of the conscience, (freedom of conscience).
2. Every church, or body, has the right to determine its qualifications for its members.
3. Christ himself has appointed officers in his church.
4. Godliness is founded on truth.
5. Teachers should be sound in the faith.
6. Each particular body has a right to elect its own officers.
7. Church power is only ministerial and declarative (and therefore, not legislative).
8. Church discipline must be purely moral and spiritual in nature (and therefore not civil court).
9. “God alone is Lord of the conscience and has left it free from any doctrines or commandments of men (a) which are in any respect contrary to the Word of God, or (b) which, in regard to matters of faith and worship, are not governed by the Word of God. Therefore, the rights of private judgement in all matters that respect re-ligion are universal and inalienable. No religious constitution should be supported by the civil power further than may be necessary for protection and security equal and common to all others.”
10. “In perfect consistency with the above principle, every Christian Church, or union or association of partic-ular churches, is entitled to declare the terms of admission into its communion and the qualifications of its ministers and members, as well as the whole system of its internal government which Christ has appointed. In the exercise of this right it may, notwithstanding, err in making the terms of communion either too lax or too narrow; yet even in this case, it does not infringe upon the liberty or the rights of others, but only makes an im-proper use of its own.”
11. “Our blessed Savior, for the edification of the visible Church, which is his body, has appointed officers not only to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments, but also to exercise discipline for the preservation both of truth and duty. It is incumbent upon these officers and upon the whole church in whose name they act, to censure or cast out the erroneous and scandalous, observing in all cases the rules contained in the Word of God.”
12. “Godliness is founded on truth. A test of truth is its power to promote holiness according to our savior’s rule, “by their fruits you shall know them” (Matthew 7:20) No opinion can be more pernicious or more absurd than that which brings truth and falsehood upon the same level.”
13. ” While, under the conviction of the above principle, it is necessary to make effective provision that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith, there are truths and forms with respect to which men of good character and principles may differ. In all these it is the duty both of private Christians and societies to exer-cise mutual forbearance toward each other.”
14. “Though the character, qualifications and authority of church officers are laid down in the Holy Scrip-tures, as well as the proper method of officer investiture, the power to elect persons to the exercise of authority in any particular society resides in that society.”
15. “All church power whether exercised by the body in general, or by representation, is only ministerial and declarative since the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and practice. No church judiciary may make laws to bind the conscience. All church courts may err through human frailty, yet it rests upon them to uphold the laws of Scripture though this obligation be lodged with fallible men.”
16. “Since ecclesiastical discipline must be purely moral or spiritual in its object, and not attended with any civil effects, it can derive no force whatever, but from its own justice, the approbation of an impartial public, and the countenance and blessing of the great Head of the Church.”

Question 4

Can the church “bind” men’s consciences? Why or why not?

Answer 4

No, due to the first Preliminary Principle

Question 5

What is the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America?

Answer 5

Westminster Confession of Faith (with Larger and Shorter Catechisms)
Book of Church Order (comprising of the Form of Government, the Rules of Discipline and the Directory of Wor-ship).
“All as adopted by the Church and subordinate to the Scriptures.”—BCO Preface, III

Question 6

What is the visible church? Who are its members?

Answer 6

The visible church consists of all those who make profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and their children with them.
“The visible church before the law, under the law, and now under the Gospel, is one and the same and consists of all those who make profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, together with their children.” BCO 2-1

Question 7

What is the power of the church?

Answer 7

The power of the church is exclusively spiritual. The power which Christ has committed to his church is vested in the whole body, the rulers and those ruled consisting in a spiritual commonwealth. This power is to proclaim, to administer, and to enforce the law of Christ revealed in the Scriptures.

Question 8

How does it differ from that of the state?

Answer 8

A particular church is a local congregation with a permanent governing body.29
“A particular church consists of a number of professing Christians, with their children, associated together for di-vine worship and godly living, agreeable to the Scriptures, and submitting to the lawful government of Christ’s kingdom.”—BCO 4-1

Question 9

What is a mission church?

Answer 9

A mission church is described in the same fashion as a particular church except that it has no permanent govern-ing body and thus must be governed or supervised by others.
“A mission church may be properly described in the same manner as the particular church in described in BCO
4- 1. It is distinguished from a particular church in that it has no permanent governing body, and thus must be
governed or supervised by others. However, its goal is to mature and be organized as a particular church as
soon as this can be done decently and in good order.”—BCO 5-1

Question 10

What two kinds of members does the church have?

Answer 10

Communing members.
Non-communing members.
Associate members.

Question 11

What are their respective rights and privileges?

Answer 11

Communing members—all the rights and privileges of the church (voting, holding office, and admission to the Lord’s Table)30
Non-communing members—entitled to baptism, pastoral oversight, instruction, and government of the church.31
Associate members—all the rights and privileges of the church except voting in congregational meetings and holding office in that church.

Question 12

What permanent officers has Christ given to his church?

Answer 12

Ruling Elders Teaching Elders Deacons

Question 13

What are the qualifications for an elder?

Answer 13

Character and Knowledge:
* competency of human learning ^blameless life
*sound in faith *apt to teach
^sobriety and holiness of life becoming of the gospel *rules his own house well
*watch over the flock committed to their charge in doctrine and morality ^exercise government and discipline
Oversight of both the local church and the “general” church
^visitation (especially of sick), instruction, comforting, nourishing, and guarding the children of the church.
*set worthy examples for the rest of the church *Love, pray with and for people

Question 14

How are ruling and teaching elders alike?

Answer 14

Duties of office:
*watch over the flock committed to their charge in doctrine and morality
* exercise government and discipline
^oversight of both the local church and the “general” church
^visitation (especially of sick), instruction, comforting, nourishing, and guarding the children of the church.
*set worthy examples for the rest of the church *Love, pray with and for people

Question 15

How are they different?

Answer 15

• TE feeds flock by reading, expounding, and preaching the word of God.
• Administers the sacraments.

Question 16

What is meant by the “parity” of ruling and teaching elders?

Answer 16

The class of elder is one class only. Ruling elders and teaching elders possess the same authority and eligibility to office in the courts of the church. Both, (but especially the Teaching Elders) are called to teach the Bible.

Question 17

What are the duties of deacons?

Answer 17

Ministers to those in need, the sick, the friendless, and any in distress *Devise methods to collect the gifts of the congregation *Keep church in proper (physical) repair.

Question 18

What are the qualifications for deacons?

Answer 18

*Men of spiritual character *Honest repute * Exemplary lives ^Brotherly Spirit *Warm sympathies *Sound judgement

Question 19

10-11. Name the courts of the church

Answer 19

Sessions, Presbyteries, General Assembly

Question 20

What is the proper or original jurisdiction of each?

Answer 20

Each court exercises original jurisdiction over its own business (i.e. people)
“For the orderly and efficient dispatch of ecclesiastical business, it is necessary that the sphere of action of each court should be distinctly defined. The session exercises jurisdiction over a single church, the Presbytery over what is common to ministers, Sessions, and churches within a prescribed district, and the General Assembly over such matters as concern the whole church. The jurisdiction of these courts is limited by the express provisions of the Constitution.
Every court has the right to resolve questions of doctrine and discipline seriously and reasonably proposed, and in general to maintain truth and righteousness, condemning erroneous opinions and practices which tend to court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over all matters specially belonging to it, the lower courts are sub-ject to the review and control of the higher courts, in regular gradation. These courts are not separate and inde-pendent tribunals, but they have a mutual relation, and every act of jurisdiction in the act of the whole church per-formed by it through the appropriate organ.”—BCO 11-4

Question 21

What officers must each court have?

Answer 21

Moderator

Clerk

Question 22

How are they chosen?

Answer 22

Except for the moderator of the session (which is the pastor by prudence of his office) they are elected by the body which they will serve.

Question 23

Who are the members of the church session?

Answer 23

“The church Session consists of the pastor, associate pastor(s) if there be any, and the ruling elders of a church.”—BCO 12-1

Question 24

What are the main duties of the session?

Answer 24

1. Individual member’s spiritual maturity
2. Proper administration of the government of the church.
3. Proper use of buildings.
4. Insure proper corporate growth and service.
5. Insure proper relationships to church-at-large

Question 25

Who are the members of presbytery?

Answer 25

“The presbytery consists of all the teaching elders and the churches within its bounds that have been accepted by the Presbytery.”—BCO 13-1

Question 26

To what church does a minister belong?

Answer 26

None, he belongs to Presbytery.
“A minister shall be required to hold his membership in the Presbytery within whose geographical bounds he re-sides, unless there are reasons which are satisfactory to his Presbytery why he should not do so.”—BCO 13-2

Question 27

How is an ordained minister received into presbytery?

Answer 27

By being called to a work within the bounds of a particular Presbytery; being examined and received by that body.
“Ordinarily, only a minister who receives a call to a definite ecclesiastical work within the bounds of a particular Presbytery may be received as a member of that Presbytery except in cases where the minister is already honorably retired, or in those cases deemed necessary by the Presbytery, subject to the review of the General Assembly.”—BCO 13-5 See also 13-6 (examination)

Question 28

How is a church received into a presbytery?

Answer 28

“The Presbytery, before receiving into it membership any church, shall designate a commission to meet with the church’s ruling elders to make certain that the elders understand and can sincerely adopt the doctrines and polity of the Presbyterian Church in America as contained in its Constitution. In the presence of the commission, the rul-ing elders shall be required to answer affirmatively the questions required of officers at their ordination.”—BCO 13-8

Question 29

What are the main duties and responsibilities of the presbytery?

Answer 29

1. Preparation of the Teaching Elder.
2. Oversight of the Teaching Elder.
3. Oversight of the local congregations.
4. Oversight of the Church-at-large.—BCO 13-93A

Question 30

What are the main duties and responsibilities of the General Assembly?

Answer 30

1. Legal matters.
2. Proclamation.
3. Guidance.
4. Determine size and structure of the Denomination.35

Question 31

What are the permanent committees and agencies of the General Assembly?

Answer 31

1. Administrative Committee of the General Assembly.
2. Committee on Christian Education and Publications.
3. Committee on Mission to North America.
4. Committee on Missions to the World.
5. Covenant College.
6. Covenant Seminary.
7. Insurance; Annuities and Relief.
8. PCA Foundation.
9. Ridge Haven.—SCO 14-1,12

Question 32

What is the committee of Commissioners?

Answer 32

Elected representatives from each presbytery who sit on the committees of the General assembly to review and prepare the business to come to the floor.—BCO 14-1,15.

Question 33

How do a committee of commissioners and a permanent committee or agency differ?

Answer 33

A Committee of Commissioners is elected for one specific General Assembly and only has authority of opera-tion until the close of that General Assembly. A Permanent committee of agency is charged to exercise the work of the Assembly between its meetings.

Question 34

What is the difference between a committee and a commission?

Answer 34

A commission is essentially a committee that is charged with concluding the business assigned to it. A commit-tee, on the other hand, reports to the appointing body, so that it can conclude the business.—BCO 15-1

Question 35

How is a man called to office in the church?

Answer 35

1. The individual—through the inward testimony of a good conscience as a calling of the Spirit.
2. The church—declaring it believes the man is called and it wants him to serve.
3. The Court—a court of the church agrees and is satisfied that he is qualified.
4. A call to a church office is based on being elected by the congregation—BCO 16-2.
   “Ordinary vocation to office in the church is the calling of God by the Spirit, through the inward testimony of a good conscience, the manifest appropriation of God’s people, and the concurring judgement of a lawful court of the church.”—BCO 16-1

Question 36

What is a candidate?

Answer 36

“A candidate for the ministry is a member of the church in full communion who, believing himself to be called to preach the Gospel, submits himself to the care and guidance of the Presbytery in his course of study and of practical training to prepare himself for this office.”—BCO 18-1

Question 37

What is required to become a candidate?

Answer 37

1. Session endorsement
2. Member at least six months
3. File with clerk at least two months before presbytery meeting—BCO 18-2
4. Appear before Presbytery in person.
5. Be examined on experiential religion and motive for seeking ministry.— BCO 18-3 What is a licentiate?
   A licentiate is a person examined and permitted to preach within the pulpits of the PCA with the authority of the presbytery of the jurisdiction where he will preach.
   “To preserve the purity of the preaching of the Gospel, no man is permitted to preach in the pulpits of the Presby-terian Church in America on a regular basis without proper licensure from the Presbytery having jurisdiction where he will preach.”—BCO 19-1

Question 38

In what areas is a prospective licentiate examined?

Answer 38

1. Christian experience and inward call.
2. Written or oral: Theology (Westminster Standards), English Bible, and Book of Church Order.
3. Orally before Presbytery: on same as above.
4. Provide written sermon and deliver it before Presbytery.—BCO 19-2 What is internship?
   Candidates for the ministry of the Gospel undergo a time of “internship” in order that some trial is made in regard to the use of gifts and ability to serve as a teaching elder. The internship lasts at least one year and the nature of it is determined by the presbytery. It should involve the candidate in the full scope of duties of any regular ministerial calling.—BCO 19-

Question 39

What steps must a church take in calling a pastor?

Answer 39

1. Session calls a meeting to elect a search committee36—BCO 20-2
2. A congregational meeting must be called for the election of the pastor—SCO 20-3

Question 40

In what areas must a candidate for ordination be examined?

Answer 40

1. Experiential religion
2. Knowledge of Greek and Hebrew
3. English Bible
4. Theology
5. Sacraments
6. Church history
7. History of the Presbyterian Church in America
8. Government and Discipline
9. Paper on a Theological subject
10. Paper on Exegesis (using Greek and Hebrew)
11. Preach a sermon.

Question 41

What vows must he take?

Answer 41

1. Commitment to the inerrant, infallible Bible.
2. Submission to the Confession and Catechisms.
3. Submission to the form of Church government.
4. Submission to your brethren.
5. Perceive yourself called of God.
6. Promise to maintain the truth of the Gospel and the purity and peace of the church.
7. Promise to fully exercise your duties.
8. Willing to take charge of the church.37
   “1. Do you believe the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?
9. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further promise that if at any time you find your-self out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, you will on your own initiative, make known to your Presbytery the change Which has taken place in your views since the assumption of this ordination vow?
10. Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America, in conformity with the general principles of Biblical polity?
11. Do you promise subjection to your brethren in the Lord?
12. Have you been induced, as far as you know your own heart, to seek the office of the holy ministry from love to God and a sincere desire to promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son?
13. Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the Gospel and the purity and peace of the Church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise unto you on that account?
14. Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all your duties as a Christian and a minister of the Gospel, whether personal or relational, private or public; and to endeavor by the grace of God to adorn the profes-sion of the Gospel in your manner of life, and to walk with exemplary piety before the flock of which God shall make you overseer?
15. Are you now willing to take the charge of this church, agreeable to your declaration when accepting their call? And do you, relying upon God for strength, promise to discharge to it the duties of a pastor?”—BCO 21-5

Question 42

Who has the final say in establishing or dissolving a pastoral relationship?

Answer 42

The Presbytery has the final say in establishing or dissolving pastoral relations.

Question 43

How may a pastoral relation be dissolved?

Answer 43

A pastoral relation is dissolved when a presbytery accepts the resignation of a minister after a congregational meeting has been called and conducted, and its commissioners then appear before the presbytery to show cause why the presbytery should or should not accept the resignation of the pastor.
“When o minister shall tender the resignation of his pastoral charge to his presbytery, the presbytery shall cite the church to appear by its commissioners, to show cause why the presbytery would or should not accept the resigna-tion. If the church fail to appear, or if its reasons for retaining the pastor be deemed insufficient, his resignation shall be accepted and the pastoral relation dissolved.”—BCO 23-1
1. Pastor initiate:
Seeks new pastorate—BCO 23-1
Determines he is not called—BCO 38-3
Convinced he is not able to serve the church—BCO 38-3
Retires-BCO 23-2
2. Individual (usually a member) initiated:
20
Unacknowledged but probable guilt —BCO 34-3
3. Session Initiated:
Dissatisfaction, unrelated to discipline—BCO 23-1 Strong presumption of guilt—BCO 31-4, 34-4
4. Presbytery Initiated:
Due process for accusation(s) made against the minister—SCO 34-4,6,7,8,9 Inquiry into apparent failure properly to attend to his duties—BCO 34-10

Question 44

What is the difference between an associate pastor and an assistant pastor?

Answer 44

The associate pastor is called by the congregation and as such becomes a member of the Session and his pastoral relation is determined by the congregation. The assistant pastor is called by the Session and his pastoral relation to the church is determined by them.
“The pastor and associate pastor are elected by the congregation using the form of call in BCO 20-6. Being elected by the congregation, they become members of the session.”—BCO 22-2
“An assistant pastor is called by the session, by the permission and approval of Presbytery, under the provision of BCO 20-1 and 13-2, with Presbytery membership being governed by the same provisions that apply to pastors. He is not a member of the session, but may be appointed on special occasions to moderate the session under the provi-sions of BCO 12-4”—BCO 22-3

Question 45

What steps must be followed In electing ruling elders or deacons?

Answer 45

Public notice must be given at least one month prior to the time of the election, during which the congregation is asked to submit names to the Session.—BCO 24-1

1. Public notice given of congregational meeting for election.
2. If 25% of eligible voters ask for additional officers, the session shall call the meeting.
3. Notice given as least one month before election
4. Congregation asked to submit names to session.
5. Session shall examine those nominated.
6. Session shall present list of nominees to congregation.
7. Session recommends, congregation determines the number of officers to be elected.
8. majority vote of those present needed for election.
9. Moderator asks congregation if it is ready to proceed.
10. voting is done by private ballot. —BCO 24-1,4,5

Question 46

In what areas is a nominee to be examined?

Answer 46

1. Christian experience (especially personal character).
2. Knowledge of doctrine, Church government, discipline contained in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America (BCO preface III)
3. Duties of office to which he is nominated.
4. Willingness to give assent to the questions required for ordination.—BCO 24-1

Question 47

How may a congregational meeting be called?

Answer 47

The session shall decide when a meeting is necessary and call it, or shall respond to a written notice of a set frac-tion of the church—BCO 25-2
“Whenever it may seem for the best interest of the church that a congregational meeting should be held, the Session shall coll such meeting and give public notice of at least one week. No business shall be transacted at such meeting except what is stated in the notice. The session shall always call a congregational meeting when requested in writ-ing to do so: by…“—BCO 25-2

Question 48

Who can vote?

Answer 48

“The congregation consists of all communing members of a particular church, and they only are entitled to vote. ““—BCO 25-1

Question 49

What officers are required?

Answer 49

Moderator (Pastor or elected person)
Clerk (elected person)
“The pastor shall be the moderator of congregational meetings by virtue of his office. If it should be impracticable or inexpedient for him to preside, or if there is no pastor, the Session shall appoint one of their number to call the meeting to order and to preside until the congregation shall elect their presiding officer, who may be a minister of the Presbyterian Church in America, or any male member of that particular church.”—BCO 25-4

Question 50

Who owns the property of the local church?

Answer 50

The local church.
"The corporation of a particular church, through its duly elected trustees or corporation officers (or, if unincorpo-ratedthrough those who are entitled to represent the particular church in matters related to real property) shall have sole title to its property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, and shall be sole owner of any equity in any real estate, or any fund or property of any kind held by or belonging to any particular church, or any board, society, committee, Sunday school class or branch thereof. The superior courts of the Church may receive monies or properties from a local church only by free and voluntary action of the latter."-BCO 25-8

Question 51

How may the Book of Church Order be amended?

Answer 51

1. Approval of majority at General Assembly.
2. Consent of 2/3 Presbyteries.
3. Approval of majority at subsequent General Assembly.

Question 52

How may the doctrinal standards be amended?

Answer 52

1. Approval of 3/4 majority at General Assembly.
2. Consent of 3/4 Presbyteries.
3. Approval of 3/4majority at subsequent General Assembly.
   “Amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms may be made only in the following manner:
4. Approval of the proposed amendment by three-fourths (3/4) of those present and voting in the General Assembly, and its recommendation to the Presbyteries.
5. The advise and consent of three-fourths (3/4) of the Presbyteries.
6. The approval and enactment by a subsequent General Assembly by three-fourths (3/4) of those present and voting.
   This paragraph (BCO 26-3) can be amended only by the same method prescribed for the amendment of the Confes-sion of Faith and Catechisms of the church.”—BCO 26-3

Question 53

What portions of the BCO cannot be amended?

Answer 53

All section of the BCO may be amended

Question 54

What is church discipline?

Answer 54

“Discipline is the exercise of authority given the church by the Lord Jesus Christ to instruct and guide its members and to promote its purity and welfare.”
“The term has two senses:
a. the one referring to the whole government, inspection, training, guardianship and control which the church maintains over its members, its officers and its courts.
b. the other a restricted and technical sense, signifying judicial process.”—BCO 27-1
—Chapell suggests that the church should follow a Family model of discipline more than a judicial model.

Question 55

What is the goal of church discipline?

Answer 55

The glory of God.
The purity of his church.
The keeping and reclaiming of disobedient sinners.
“The exercise of discipline is highly important and necessary. In its proper usage discipline maintains:
a. the glory of God,
b. the purity of His Church,
c. the keeping and reclaiming of disobedient sinners. Discipline is for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7); therefore, it demands a self-examination under Scripture.
Its ends, so far as it involves judicial action, are the rebuke of offenses, the removal of scandal, the vindication of the honor of Christ, the promotion of the purity and general edification of the church, and the spiritual good o offenders themselves.”—BCO 27-3

Question 56

What are its proper steps?

Answer 56

Instruction in the Word.
Individual responsibility to admonish.
Calling of one or more witnesses.
Action of the church court.
“Scriptural law is the basis of all discipline because it is the revelation of God’s Holy will.
Properly disciplinary principles are set forth in the Scriptures and must be followed. They are:
a. Instruction in the Word;
b. Individual’s responsibility to admonish one another (Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1);
c. If the admonition is rejected, then the calling of one or more witnesses (Matthew 18:16);
d. If rejection persists, then the Church must act through her court unto admonition, suspension, excommunica-tion and deposition (See BCO 29 and 30 for further explanation).
Steps (a) through (d) must be followed in proper order for the exercise of discipline.”—BCO 27-5

Question 57

Who is primarily responsible for disciplining non-communing members?

Answer 57

Primarily their parents.
“The spiritual nurture, instruction and training of the children of the church are committed by God primarily to their parents. They are responsible to the church for the faithful discharge of their obligations. It is a principal du-ty of the church to promote true religion in the home. True discipleship involves learning the Word of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit both at home and in the church. Without learning there is no growth and without growth there is no discipline and without discipline there is sin and iniquity (1 Timothy 4:7)”—BCO 28-1

Question 58

List and define church censures

Answer 58

Admonition—Formal reproof.
Suspension from sacraments—the temporary exclusion from those ordinances (indefinite). Suspension from of-fice—Definite of indefinite.
Excommunication—excision of an offender from the communion of the church.
Deposition—degradation of an officer from office (with/without other censure).

Question 59

With what court should charges be filled?

Answer 59

With the court of original jurisdiction which rests with the body in which a person is a member.
“Original jurisdiction (the right to first or initially hear and determine) in relation to ministers of the Gospel shall be in the Presbytery of which the minister is a member, except in cases as provided in BCO 34-1. Such original ju-risdiction in relation to church members shall be in the session of the church of which he/she is a member, except in cases as provided in BCO 33-1.”—BCO 31-1

Question 60

What must be done before formal charges are brought?

Answer 60

Sessions and Presbyteries must determine from such persons satisfactory explanations concerning reports affect-ing their Christian character.
“It is the duty of all church sessions and presbyteries to exercise care over those subject to their authority. They shall with due diligence and great discretion demand from such persons satisfactory explanations concerning re-ports affecting their Christian character. This duty is more imperative when those who deem themselves aggrieved by injurious reports shall ask an investigation…“—BCO 31-2

Question 61

When must a formal judicial process be pursued?

Answer 61

When the court finds through investigation a strong presumption of guilt in the party involved.
“…If such investigation, however originating, should result in raising a strong presumption of the guilt of the party involved, the court shall institute process, and shall appoint a prosecutor to prepare the indictment and to conduct the case. This prosecutor shall be a member of the court, except that in a case before the Session, he may be any communing member of the same congregation with the accused.”—BCO 31-2

Question 62

How many witnesses are required?

Answer 62

More than one.
“The testimony of more than one witness shall be necessary in order to establish any charge; yet if, in addition to the testimony of one witness, corroborative evidence be produced, the offense may be considered to be proved.”—BCO 35-3

Question 63

How should a censure be administered?

Answer 63

With all tenderness and in a spirit of meekness.

Suited to the nature of the offenses -See BCO 36 for details

Question 64

What is the goal of discipline in regard to the offender?

Answer 64

For a person to repent

Question 65

Define “review and control”.

Answer 65

Every court above the session is to review the records of the court next below in the areas of:
1. correct recording.
2. Regular and in accordance with the constitution.
3. Suited to promote the welfare of the Church.
4. Lawful junctions of the high court have been obeyed.
“It is the right and duty of every court above the Session to review, at least once a year, the records of the court next below, and if any lower court fails to present its records for this purpose, the higher court may require them to be produced immediately, or at any time fixed by this higher court.”—BCO 40-1
“In reviewing records of a lower court the higher court is to examine:
1. Whether proceedings have been correctly recorded;
2. Whether they have been regular and in accordance with the Constitution;
3. Whether they have been wise, equitable and suited to promote the welfare of the Church;
4. Whether the lawful injunctions of the higher court have been obeyed.”—BCO 40-2

Question 66

Define “reference”.

Answer 66

A formal request for advice from a lower court to a higher court.
“A reference is a written representation and application made by a lower court to a higher for advice or other ac-tion on a matter pending before the lower court, and is ordinarily to be made to the next higher court.”—
BCO 41-1

Question 67

Define “appeal”.

Answer 67

A transfer to a higher court of a judicial case which has been ruled on by a lower court.

Question 68

How quickly must an appeal be filed?

Answer 68

Within 30 days following the meeting of the court.
“Notice of appeal may be given the court before its adjournment. Written notice of appeal, with supporting reasons, shall be filed by the appellant with both the clerk of the lower court and the clerk of the higher court, within thirty (30) days following the meeting of the court. No attempt should be made to circularize the courts to which appeal is being made by either party before the case is heard.”—BCO 42-4

Question 69

Define “complaint”.

Answer 69

A written representation made against some act or decision of a court of the Church.

Question 70

What should happen when a member moves out of the community?

Answer 70

That member should transfer his membership to his new church.
“When a church member shall remove his residence beyond the bounds of the congregation of which he is a member, so that he can no longer regularly attend its services, it shall be his duty to transfer his membership by presenting a certificate of dismission from the Session of the church of which he is a member to the church which he wishes to unite.
When the church of which he is a member has no Session, or for other good reasons it seems impossible for the member to secure a certificate of dismission, he may be received by the Session upon other satisfactory testimoni-als, in which case the church of which he was a member shall be duly notified.”—BCO 46-1

Question 71

What should be done when a member neglects the church a year or more?

Answer 71

They shall be notified, if possible, both in person and in writing of their covenant obligations and that if they per-sist they will be removed from the rolls.

Question 72

What is an associate member?

Answer 72

A member of a church who is temporarily living outside of their permanent home.
“Associate members are those believers temporarily in a location other than their permanent homes. Such believers may become associate members of a particular church without ceasing to be communicant members of their home churches. An associate member shall have 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.”—BCO
46-4

Question 73

What parts of the Directory For Worship have constitutional authority (if any)?

Answer 73

BCO 56,57, and 58
“…BCO 56, 57, and 58 have been given full constitutional authority by the Eleventh General Assembly after being submitted to the Presbyteries and receiving the necessary two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Presbyteries.”—BCO The Directory For the Worship of God

Question 74

What rule guides public worship?

Answer 74

What rule guides public worship?
The Scriptures.
“Since the Holy Scriptures are the only infallible rule for faith and practice, the principles of public worship must be derived from the Bible, and from no other source.
The Scriptures forbid the worshipping of God by images, or in any other way not appointed in His Word, and requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in His Word (WSC 51, 50)”—BCO 47-1

Question 75

What is the purpose of public worship?

Answer 75

To glorify God.
“The end of public worship is the glory of God. His people should engage in all its several parts with an eye single to His glory. Public worship has as its aim the building of Christ’s Church by the perfecting of the saints and the addition to its membership of such as are being saved—all to the glory of God. Through public worship on the Lord’s day Christians should learn to serve God all the days of the week in their every activity, remembering, wheth-er they eat or drink, or whatever they do, to do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).”-BCO 47-3

Question 76

What are the proper elements of worship?

Answer 76

Reading of Scripture Singing of psalms and hymns Prayer
Preaching of the Word Presentation of offerings Confession of Faith Observing the Sacraments On Special occa-sions taking oaths.
“The Bible teaches that the following are proper elements of worship service: reading of Holy Scripture, singing of psalms and hymns, the offering of prayer, the preaching of the Word, the presentation of offerings, confession the faith and observing the Sacraments; and on special occasions taking oaths.”—BCO 47-9

Question 77

In brief, how ought we to keep the Lord’s Day?

Answer 77

By keeping it holy, participating in public and private worship, and resting.
“It is the duty of every person to remember the Lord’s day; and to prepare for it before its approach. All worldly business should be so ordered, and seasonably laid aside, as that they may not be hindered thereby from sanctifying the Sabbath, as the Holy Scriptures require.”—BCO 48-3
“The whole day is to be kept holy to the Lord; and to be employed in the public and private exercises of religion. Therefore, it is requisite, that there be a holy resting, all the day, from unnecessary labors; and an abstaining from those recreations which may be lawful on other days; and also, as much as possible, from worldly thoughts and conversation.”-BCO 48-4
“Let the provisions for the support of the family on that day be so ordered that others be not improperly detained from the public worship of God, nor hindered from sanctifying the Sabbath.”—BOC 48-5
“Let every person and family, in the morning, by secret and private prayer, for themselves and others, especially for the assistance of God to their minister, and for a blessing upon his ministry, by reading the Scriptures, and by holy meditation, prepare for communion with God in his public ordinances.”—BCO 48-6
“Let the time not used for public worship be spent in prayer, in devotional reading, and especially in the study of the Scriptures, mediation, catechizing, religious conversation, the singing of psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs; visit-ing the sick, relieving the poor, teaching the ignorant, holy resting, and in performing such like duties of piety, char-ity, and mercy.”—BCO 48-7

Question 78

Who is responsible for deciding who preaches in a church?

Answer 78

The session
“No person should be invited to preach in any of the churches under our care without the consent of the Session”—BCO 53-6

Question 79

What vows do parents make at the baptism of their children? (summarize)

Answer 79

Set before him a godly example
Pray with and for him
Teach him the doctrines of true religion
Strive to bring him up in the admonition of the Lord
“…1. Do you acknowledge your child’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?
2. Do you claim God’s covenant promises in (his) behalf, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for (his) salvation, as you do for your own?
3. Do you now unreservedly dedicate your child to God, and promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before (him) a godly example, that you will pray with and for (him), that you will teach (him) the doctrines of our holy religion, and that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring (him) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?”—BCO 56-5

Question 80

Who admits people to the Lord’s Supper?

Answer 80

The Session
“The time when young persons come to understand the Gospel cannot be precisely fixed. This must be left to the prudence of the Session, whose office it is to judge, after careful examination, the qualifications of those who apply for admission to sealing ordinances.”—BCO 57-2

Question 81

What vows are made?

Answer 81

Same vows as those made by communicant members:
Acknowledgement of sin and need of salvation in Christ Endeavor to live as becomes a believer
Promise to support the church and submit to its authority and discipline “The minister may then address those making a profession in the following terms:
(All of) you being here present to make a public profession of faith, are to assent to the following declarations and promises, by which you enter into a solemn covenant with God and His Church.