Chapter 1: The Doctrine of Church Government

Book of Church Order (PCA) · 2.1–2.7

2.1. 1-1

1-1. The scriptural form of church government, which is representative or presbyterian, is comprehended under five heads: a. The Church; b. Its members; c. Its officers; d. Its courts; e. Its orders.

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

2.2. 1-2

1-2. The Church which the Lord Jesus Christ has erected in this world for the gathering and perfecting of the saints is His visible kingdom of grace, and is one and the same in all ages.

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

2.3. 1-3

1-3. The members of this visible Church catholic are all those persons in every nation, together with their children, who make profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and promise submission to His laws.

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

2.4. 1-4

1-4. The officers of the Church, by whom all its powers are administered, are, according to the Scriptures, teaching and ruling elders and deacons.

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

2.5. 1-5

1-5. Ecclesiastical jurisdiction is not a several, but a joint power, to be exercised by presbyters in courts. These courts may have jurisdiction over one or many churches, but they sustain such mutual relations as to realize the idea of the unity of the Church.

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

2.6. 1-6

1-6. The ordination of officers is ordinarily by a court, except in the case of ordination by a presbytery's evangelist (see BCO 8-6).

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?

2.7. 1-7

1-7. This scriptural doctrine of Presbytery is necessary to the perfection of the order of the visible Church, but is not essential to its existence.

For discussion

  1. Put this answer in your own words, then say what it rules out — what belief is it written against?