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161 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Contents of the preface?
1. The King and Head of the Church
2. Preliminary Principles
3. The Constitution Defined
BCO's 3 parts?
government, discipline, and worship
Who is the head of the church? How does he exercise his authority?
Christ alone is the head of the church. He exercises His authority and governs by His Word and Spirit
How does Christ guide the church?
He has appointed officers to guide His church by following His Word and Spirit.
List key principles 1 & 2 of Presbyterian church government
1. God alone is Lord of the conscience.
2. Every church, or body, has the right to determine its qualifications for its members.
List key principles 3 & 4 of Presbyterian church government
3. Christ himself has appointed officers in his church.
4. Godliness is founded on truth.
List key principles 5 & 6 of Presbyterian church government
5. Teachers should be sound in the faith.
6. Each particular body has a right to elect its own officers.
List key principles 7 & 8 of Presbyterian church government
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.
Can the church "bind" men's consciences?
No. God alone is Lord of the conscience. The church's authority is only ministerial and declarative.
What is the authority of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America?
The Constitution is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures
What is the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America made of?
It consists of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Book of Church Order.
What is the visible church?
The body of Christ consisting of all those who make profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who are the members of the visible Church?
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
Who holds the power of the church?
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.
How does the power of the church differ from that of the state in its type?
church is spiritual, state has force.
How does the power of the church differ from that of the state in its source?
church derives power from higher source and state from human reason and the course of providential events.
What is a particular church?
A particular church is a local congregation with a permanent governing body
What is a mission church?
same as a particular church except that it has no permanent governing body and thus must be governed or supervised by others.
what is the goal of a mission church?
the goal is to mature and be organized as a particular church as soon as this can be done decently and in good order
What kinds of members does the church have?
communing, non-communing, and associate
what are rights and privileges of communing church members?
Communing- all rights and privileges of the church (voting, office holding, and admission to the Lord’s table)
what are rights and privileges of non-communing church members?
entitled to baptism, pastoral oversight, instruction, and government of the church
what are rights and privileges of associate church members?
ll the rights and privileges of the church except voting in congregational meetings and holding office in that church
What permanent officers has Christ given to his church?
Ruling Elders, Teaching Elders and Deacons
What are the qualifications for an elder?
character and knowledge
what are the knowledge qualifications of an elder?
Competency of human learning, Sound in faith, Apt to teach
what are the character qualifications of an elder?
Blameless life, Sobriety, Holiness of life becoming of the gospel, Rules his own house well, Have a good report of those outside the church
what are the two areas of duties of an elder?
leadership and shepherding
what are the leadership duties of an elder?
Watch over the flock, re: doctrine and morality.
Exercise government and discipline.
Instruct the ignorant.
set the example
what are the shepherding duties of an elder?
Comfort the mourners.
Visit the people, especially the sick.
Nourish the flock.
Guard the children.
Love and pray for the flock
How are teaching elders and ruling elders alike?
they are one class of office and have the same authority in the courts of the Church.
how are teaching and ruling elders different?
teaching elders preach and administer Sacraments while ruling elders are commissioned to govern
What is the purpose of deacons?
Not an office of rule, but rather of service both to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.
what are the 3 main duties of deacons?
shepherding, finances, property.
what does the deacon duty of shepherding involve?
Ministers to those in need, the sick, the friendless, and any in distress.
what does the deacon duty of finances involve?
Develop the grace of liberality among the members.
Devise methods to collect and distribute the gifts of the congregation
what does the deacon duty of property involve?
maintain the church property
What areas of qualifications are there for deacons?
character and judgment
In addition to the area of sound judgment, how must a man be in character to be a deacon?
Men of spiritual character.
Honest repute.
Exemplary lives.
Brotherly Spirit.
Warm sympathies.
Name the courts of the church
Session.
Presbyteries.
General Assembly
What is the proper or original jurisdiction of each court of the church?
They have no jurisdiction in political or civil affairs but only ministerial and declarative.
What does the jurisdiction of the courts of the church relate to?
It relates to the doctrines and precepts of Christ, to the order of the Church, and to the exercise of discipline
What officers must each court have?
a moderator and a clerk
how are the moderator and clerk chosen?
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.
Who are the members of the church session?
Pastor, associate pastor and ruling elders
What are the main areas of duties of the session?
leadership, shepherding, and approve property decisions
what are the leadership duties of the session?
To install ruling elders and deacons.
to carry out the decisions handed down by the higher courts
what are the shepherding duties of the session?
To inquire about the conduct of church members for their care.
To establish and control Sunday Schools and Bible classes.
To exercise authority and control over all religious services.
Who are the members of presbytery?
All the teaching elders and churches within its bounds
To what church does a minister belong?
In the Prebytery within whose geographical bounds he resides
What is the requirement for an ordained minister to be received into a presbytery?
Only a minister who receives a call to a definite ecclesiastical work in a particular Presbytery.
How is an ordained minister examined before being received into presbytery?
Ministers from other Presbyteries in the PCA shall be examined on Christian experience and touch on their views in theology, Sacraments, and church government.
Ministers from other denominations will be thoroughly examined just as candidates to ordination would be.
What is the difference between a committee and a commission?
A commission differs from an ordinary committee in that while a committe is appointed to examine, consider and report, a commission is authorized to deliberate upon and conclude the business referred to it, except in the case of judicial commissions of a Presbytery appointed under BCO 15-3
How is a man called to office in the church?
A man is called by the Spirit, through the inward testimony, the testimony of God's people, and the concurring judgment of a lawful court of the Church and election of the congregation.
What is a candidate?
member of the church.
in full communion.
believes he is called to preach the Gospel.
submits self to care and guidance of the Presbytery during preparation.
What is required to become a candidate?
1. Session endorsement
2. Member at least six months
3. File with clerk at least two months before presbytery meeting
4. Appear before Presbytery in person.
5. Be examined on experiential religion and motive for seeking ministry
What is a licentiate?
A man who is licensed to preach on a regular basis.
In what areas is a prospective licentiate examined?
1. Christian experience and inward call.
2. Written or oral: Westminster Theology, English Bible, and Book of Church Order .
3. Orally before Presbytery: on same as above.
4. Provide written sermon and deliver it before Presbytery
What is internship?
A trial period of gifts and abilities as a teaching elder.
One year minimum.
Nature of internship is determined by Presbytery.
But should involve candidate in full scope of normal ministerial duties.
What steps must a church take in calling a pastor?
1. Elect a pulpit committee
2. The committee will recommend a suitable pastoral candidate to the congregation.
3. Congregation will convene for an election of the pastor.
4. The call should be signed and certified to Presbytery by the minister who presided over the election.
In what areas must a candidate for ordination be examined?
1. Experiential religion (personal character and family management)
2. Bible content (including knowledge of Greek and Hebrew)
3. Theology
4. Sacraments
5. Church History (including that of the PCA)
6. BCO
7. Things to present:
A. Prepare a thesis on some theological topic.
B. Prepare an exegesis on an assigned portion of Scripture.
C. Preach a sermon.
What vows must a candidate for ordination take?
1. Belief that Scripture is infallible
2. Adopt the Confession of Faith and Catechism as systems of doctrine taught in Scripture.
3. Approve of form of government and discipline of PCA.
4. Promise to subject to your brethren in the Lord.
5. Seeking the office out of love to God and desire to promote His glory.
6. Promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths.
7. Faithful to exercise your duties.
8. Willing to take charge of the church.
Who may initiate that a pastoral relation be dissolved?
By the resignation of the pastor, the appeal of the church to be relieved, or by the action of Presbytery in discipline. A congregational meeting must be called in the first two cases.
How is the pastoral relation dissolved?
1. after congregational meeting called and conducted
2. when the presbytery accepts the resignation of a minister
3. when the church's commissioners appear before the presbytery to show cause why the presbytery should or should not accept the resignation of the pastor.
Who has the final say in establishing or dissolving a pastoral relationship?
The Presbytery
Describe an associate pastor
associate pastor is called by congregation and so becomes a member of the Session.
his pastoral relation is determined by the congregation.
Describe an assistant pastor
The assistant pastor is called by the Session and his pastoral relation to the church is determined by them.
What are my areas of steps that must be followed in electing ruling elders or deacons?
preliminary, examination, and final
What are the preliminary steps that must be followed in electing ruling elders or deacons?
1. Session gives public notice given of congregational meeting for election.
2.Or, 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.
What are the examination steps that must be followed in electing ruling elders or deacons?
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.
What are the final steps that must be followed in electing ruling elders or deacons?
8. Moderator asks congregation if it is ready to proceed; voting is done by private ballot.
9. Majority vote of those present needed for election.
In what areas is a nominee to be examined?
1. Christian experience and personal character
2. Knowledge of doctrine, Church government, discipline contained in the PCA Constitution
3. Duties of office to which he is nominated.
4. Willingness to give assent to the question required for ordination
How may a congregational meeting be called?
The session shall decide when a meeting is necessary and call it, or shall respond to a written notice of a set fraction of the church
Who can vote at a congregational meeting?
The congregation consists of all communing members of a particular church, and they only are entitled to vote
What officers are required at a congregational meeting
a Moderator (who is a pastor or elected person) and a Clerk (who is an elected person)
Who owns the property of the local church?
The local church
How may the Book of Church Order be amended?
1. Approval of majority at General Assembly
2. Consent of 2/3 Presbyteries
3. Approval of majority at subsequent General Assembly
How may the doctrinal standards be amended?
1. Approval of ¾ majority at General Assembly
2. Consent of ¾ Presbyteries
3. Approval of ¾ majority at subsequent General Assembly
What portions of the BCO cannot be amended?
All sections of the BCO may be amended
What is church discipline?
1. the exercise of authority given the church by the Lord Jesus Christ
2. in order to instruct and guide its members and
3. in order to promote its purity and welfare.
what is the first sense of church discipline?
referring to the whole government, inspection, training, guardianship and control which the church maintains over its members, its officers and its courts.
what is the second sense of church discipline?
a restricted and technical sense, signifying judicial process.
But Chapell suggests that the church should follow a Family model of discipline more than a judicial model.
What is the goal of church discipline?
1. The glory of God
2. The purity of his church
3. The keeping and reclaiming of disobedient sinners.
What are the proper steps of church discipline?
1, Instruction in the Word.
2. Individual responsibility to admonish.
3. Calling of one or more witnesses.
4. Action of the church court.
What is the authority for church discipline?
scriptural law
Who is primarily responsible for disciplining non-communing members?
Primarily their parents.
List the church censures.
Admonition, Suspension from sacraments, Suspension from office, Excommunication, and
Deposition-degradation of an officer from office
what is admonition?
Formal reproof of an offender.
what is suspension from sacraments?
the temporary exclusion from those ordinances for an indefinite duration
what is Suspension from office?
exclusion of a church officer from his office for a definite or indefinite duration
what is Excommunication?
the excision of an offender from the communion of the church.
must the Deposition-degradation of an officer from office have censure?
it may or may not have censure
what is admonition?
Formal reproof of an offender.
what is suspension from sacraments?
the temporary exclusion from those ordinances for an indefinite duration
what is Suspension from office?
exclusion of a church officer from his office for a definite or indefinite duration
what is Excommunication?
the excision of an offender from the communion of the church.
must the Deposition-degradation of an officer from office have censure?
it may or may not have censure
How should a censure be administered?
With a spirit of gentleness and humility and in a manner suited to the nature of the offenses
With what court should charges be filed?
the court of original jurisdiction which rests with the body in which a person is a member
What must be done before the formal charges are brought?
Sessions and Presbyteries must determine from such persons satisfactory explanations concerning reports affecting their Christian character.
When must a formal judicial process be pursued?
When the court finds through investigation a strong presumption of guilt in the party involved
How many witnesses are required?
More than one
What is the goal of discipline in regard to the offender?
Repentance and restoration to the body
Define "appeal"
A transfer to a higher court of a judicial case which has been ruled on by a lower court.
Define "complaint".
A written representation made against some act or decision of a court of the Church
Define "reference"
A formal request for advice from a lower court to a higher court.
How quickly must a complaint be filed?
Within 30 days of the meeting of the court.
How quickly must an appeal be filed?
Within 30 days following the meeting of the court.
regarding "review and control", who is to review?
Every court above the session is to review the records of the court next below
what areas are to be reviewed regarding "review and control"?
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.
What should happen when a member moves out of the community?
That member should transfer his membership to his new church
What should be done when a member neglects the church a year or more?
They shall be notified, if possible, both in person and in writing of their covenant obligations and that if they persist they will be removed from the rolls.
What is an associate member?
A member of a church who is temporarily living outside of their permanent home.
What parts, if any, of the Directory For Worship have constitutional authority?
BCO 56 - Administration of Baptism.
BCO 57 - Admission to Sealing Ordinance.
BCO 58 - Administration of Lord's Supper.
What rule guides public worship?
The Scriptures
What is the purpose of public worship?
To glorify God.
What are the proper elements of worship?
1. Reading of Scripture.
2. Singing of psalms and hymns.
3. Prayer.
4. Preaching of the Word.
5. Presentation of offerings.
6. Confession of Faith.
7. Observing the Sacraments.
8. On Special occasions taking oaths.
Summarize the vows parents make at the baptism of their children
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.
In brief, how ought we to keep the Lord's Day?
By keeping it holy, participating in public and private worship, and resting.
What vows are made in a profession of faith?
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.
what is the relationship between the vows for a profession of faith and those for communicant members?
they are the same
Who is responsible for deciding who preaches in a church?
the session
What is the quorum for a Session meeting when there is a pastor?
if less than 4 ruling elders, then a quorum has the pastor plus 1 ruling elder. if there are 4 or more ruling elders, then
the pastor + 2 ruling elders
What is the quorum for a Session meeting when there is not a pastor?
if less than 5 ruling elders the 2 ruling elders. if 5 or more ruling elders, then 3 ruling elders
What is the quorum for a Presbytery meeting?
and 3 ruling elders and any 3 teaching elders
Who admits people to the Lord's Supper?
The Session
what flexibility is there for the quorum of a session or presbytery?
sessions and Presbyteries may fix their own quorums, but not less than what is contained here
What is the quorum for general assembly?
Any 100 commissioners, representing at least 1/3 of Presbyteries, half ruling elders and half teaching elders
What is the quorum for a congregational meeting?
In churches of less than or equal to 100, it is 1/4 of its members.
In churches of more than 100, 1/6 of its members
Who are members of a Presbytery?
All the teaching elders and churches within its bounds
How many representatives may be sent to the next higher court?
all teaching elders and 2 ruling elders for the first 350 members of church. 1 additional ruling elder for each additional 500 members.
What is the composition of a Presbytery commission?
At least 2 teaching elders and 2 ruling elders.
What is the composition of the SJC?
24 members of general assembly divided into 4 classes of 3 teaching elders and 3 ruling elders.
Who can call a congregational meeting?
The Session
How many members are required to petition the Session for a called congregational meeting?
For churches less than or equal to 100, 1/4 of members.
for churches 101-300, 1/5 of members.
for churches 301-500, 1/6 of members.
for churches 501-700, 1/7 of members.
for churches greater than 700, 100 members.
How many members are required to call a special meeting of Presbytery?
3 teaching elders + 3 ruling elders from at least 3 different churches.
How many members are required to call a special meeting of G.A.?
At least 10% of commissioners from previous general assembly, at least 10 teaching elders + 10 ruling elders, representing at least 1/3 of all Presbyteries.
How is an ordained minister received into a Presbytery?
Upon examination of his Christian experience, and his views in Theology, the Sacraments, and church government. If he comes from another denomination, he must be examined in the same manner as a candidate
What are the permanent committees of the general assembly?
Administration, Christian education and publications, mission to north america, mission to the world, reformed university ministries
what are the permanent agencies of the GA?
Covenant College, Covenant Seminary, PCA Retirement & Benefits, PCA Foundation, Ridge Haven
what is a permanent special committee in the GA?
interchurch relations
What is a committee of commissioners?
A committee whose members are elected by Presbyteries, and whose work is to review the work and minutes of one of the general assembly's permanent committees, and make a report to the general assembly recommending any actions arising out of their review.
What is the difference between a committee and a commission?
A committee is authorized to investigate, consider, and report its findings on the business referred to it; a commission is authorized to deliberate and conclude the business referred to it.
What are the five heads of the scriptural form of church government?
The church, its members, its officers, its courts, its orders.
What is the purpose of the church?
From 1.2: For the gathering and perfecting of the Saints

From 3.5 Christ has ordained the church for the edification and government of his people, the propagation of the faith, and the evangelization of the world
What are the functions of the church?
To proclaim, administer, and enforce the law of Christ as revealed in the scriptures.
What are the main areas of duties of the presbytery?
1. shepherd upcoming and current teaching elders.
2. growth of church
3. peace and purity of the church
what are the presbytery duties regarding shepherding upcoming and current teaching elders?
To receive under care candidates for the ministry.
Examine and license candidates.
Receive, dismiss, ordain, install, and judge ministers.
To establish and dissolve pastoral relations.
To set apart evangelists
what are the presbytery duties regarding the growth of the church ?
To devise new measures for the expansion of the church.
Devise measures for the enlargement of the church.
Propose to G.A. measures that may be of advantage for the whole church
what are the presbytery duties regarding the peace and purity of the church?
To review Session records.
Condemn erroneous opinions.
Obey lawful injunctions of higher courts
What are the main areas of duties of the general assembly?
1. growth of the church
2. respond as higher court
3. lead as higher court
4. loving the visible church
what are the general assembly duties regarding the growth of the church?
Carry out the Great Commission.
Institute and superintend the agencies necessary in the work of evangelization.
Devise methods for the prosperity and enlargement of the church.
Erect new Presbyteries
what are the general assembly duties regarding responding as the higher court?
To receive and settle all appeals, references, and complaints brought before it.
Give advice and instruction in all cases submitted to it
what are the general assembly duties regarding leading as the higher court?
Review the records of Presbyteries.
Decide all controversies respecting doctrine and discipline.
To bear testimony against errors in doctrine, immorality in practice.
Suppress schisms and disputes.
Superintend the affairs of the whole church
what are the general assembly duties regarding loving the visible church?
Receive other eccesiastical bodies.
Correspond with other churches.
Promote love, truth, and holiness throughout the church
What is ordination?
Ιt is the authoritative admission of one duly called to office in the church.
What is the end of public worship?
To glorify God in the meeting together of God and his people.
What should the minister's words show about baptism?
1. It was instituted by Christ.
2. It is the sign and seal of union to Christ.
3. The water signifies the blood of Christ
4. The promise is to believers and their children
5. That Jesus admitted children into his presence
6. Children become members of the church by baptism
7. The grace and virtue of baptism is not tied to the moment of administration
What is ecclesiastical power?
the power of order and jurisdiction
what is the ecclesiastical power of order?
preaching, administering the sacraments, reproving the erring, visiting the sick, comforting the afflicted
what is the ecclesiastical power of jurisdiction?
the judgment of courts