Bco Pca Ordination Exam

Front 1

Who is the head of the church?

Back 1

Jesus Christ (BCO preface)

Front 2

How does the head of the church exercise his authority?

Back 2

Jesus is the sole Priest, Propet, King, and Saviour who rules and teaches the Church through His Word and Spirit by the ministry of men. (BCO preface)

Front 3

List at least two key principles of Presbyterian church government.

Back 3

1. God alone is Lord of the conscience.
2. Jesus has appointed officers not only to preach the Gospel and admininster the Sacraments, but also to preserve truth and duty by exercising discipline. (BCO preface)

Front 4

Can the church "bind" men's consciences?

Back 4

No. God alone is Lord of the conscience. (BCO preface)

Front 5

What is the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America?

Back 5

The Constitution is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures, consisting of doctrinal standards set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Book of Church Order. (BCO preface)

Front 6

What is the visible church? Who are its members?

Back 6

The body of Christ consisting of all those who make profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (BCO 2-1)

Front 7

What is the power of the church? How does it differ from that of the state?

Back 7

The power of the Church is exlusively spiritual and derived from a higher source; that of the State includes the exercise of force and is derives from human reason and the course of providential events . (BCO 3-4)

Front 8

What is a particular church?

Back 8

A particular church consists of professing Christians and a permanent governing body meeting together for worship and godly living, agreeable to Scriptures, and submitting to the government of Christ's kingdom. (BCO 5-1)

Front 9

What is a mission church?

Back 9

Same as particular church but that it has no permanent governing body (BCO 5-1)

Front 10

What two kinds of members does the church have?

Back 10

There are non-communing (children of believers) and communing members (those who have made a profession of faith in Christ, baptized, admitted by Session) (BCO 6-1, 6-2)

Front 11

What are the church members rights and privileges?

Back 11

Non-communing members are entitled to baptism, pastoral oversight, instruction, and gov't of church. Communing members have all the rights and privledges of the church (voting, holding office, and the Lord's Table) (BCO 6-1, 6-2)

Front 12

What permanent officers has Christ given to his Church?

Back 12

Elders and deacons. Elders are divided into two orders of teaching elders and ruling elders. (BCO 7-2)

Front 13

What are the qualifications for an elder?

Back 13

Wise, blameless in life, soberiety and holiness of life, above reproach, sound in faith, rules his house well, and has a good report with those outside the Church. (BCO 8-2)

Front 14

What are the duties of an elder?

Back 14

Watch over the flock through proper government & discipline. For the members of the church he should visit, instruct, comfort, guard, pray with and for the people and be a worthy example. They are to excerice government and discipline. Oversight of local church as well as "general" church. (BCO 8-3)

Front 15

How are ruling and teaching elders alike? Different?

Back 15

Elders are of one class of office. They have the same authority in the courts of the Church. However, teaching elders preach and administer Sacraments while ruling elders are commissioned to govern. (BCO 8-4, 8-5)

Front 16

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

Back 16

The two orders of officers are equal in governmental authority within the church courts. The one does not rule over the other. They are both called to teach the Bible (BCO 8-9)

Front 17

What are the duties of deacons?

Back 17

1. Their duties are toward sympathy and service, helping those in need. Collecting the gifts of the people and distributing them as needed.
2. They are to care for the property of the church and keep it in good repair. (BCO 9-1; 9-2)

Front 18

What are the qualifications for deacons?

Back 18

The are to be chosen for spiritual character, honesty, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies and sound judgment. (BCO 9-3)

Front 19

Name the courts of the church.

Back 19

Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly. (BCO 10-2)

Front 20

What is the proper or original jurisdiction of each court of the church?

Back 20

They have no jurisdiction in political or civil affairs but only ministerial and declarative. It relates to the doctrines and precepts of Christ, to the order of the Church, and to the exercise of discipline. They each exercise original jurisiction over its own business (i.e. people). (BCO 11-1; 11-2)

Front 21

What officers must each court have? How are they chosen?

Back 21

1. Moderator- the pastor for the session, for Presbytery and General Assembly they are elected by the respective court.
2. Clerk- elected by each court to serve for a period of time. (BCO 10-3; 10-4)

Front 22

Who are the members of the church session?

Back 22

Pastor, associate pastor (if any), and ruling elders. (BCO 12-1)

Front 23

What are the main duties of the session?

Back 23

1. To inquire about the conduct of church members for their care.
2. To install ruling elders and deacons.
3. To approve actions affecting church property.
4. To establish and control Sunday Schools, Bible classes, and all special group in the church (also to call congreg. meetings)
5. To exercise authority and control over all religious services.
6. To carry out the decisions handed down by the higher courts and appoint representatives to the higher courts. (BCO 12-5)

Front 24

Who are the members of presbytery?

Back 24

All the teaching elders and churches within its bounds that have been accepted by the Presbytery (BCO 13-1)

Front 25

To what church does a minister belong?

Back 25

In the Prebytery within whose geographical bounds he resides (BCO 13-2)

Front 26

How is an ordained minister received into a presbytery?

Back 26

1. Only a minister who receives a call to a definite ecclesiastical work in a particular Presbytery.
2. Ministers from other Presbyteries in the PCA shall be examined on Christian experience and touch on their views in theology, Sacraments, and church government.
3. Ministers from other denominations will be thoroughly examined just as candidates to ordination would be. (BCO 13-5; 13-6)

Front 27

What is the difference between a committee and a commission?

Back 27

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 15-1)

Front 28

How is a man called to office in the church?

Back 28

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. (BCO 16-1)

Front 29

What is a candidate?

Back 29

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)

Front 30

What is required to become a candidate?

Back 30

1. Every applicant for the ministry must put himself under the care of Presbytery
2. Be endorsed by his Session
3. Be a member of the congregation whose session provides an endorsement for at least six months.
4. File an application one month before the meeting of the Presbytery.
5. Appear before the Presbytery, to be examined on experiential religion and his motives for seeking minstry (BCO 18-1, 18-3)

Front 31

What is a licentiate?

Back 31

A man who is licensed to preach on a regular basis. (BCO 19-1)

Front 32

In what areas is a prospective licentiate examined?

Back 32

1. Christian experience and inward call to preach the Gospel.
2. Tested by oral or written exam on Biblical doctrine, Bible content, and basic knowledge of the Book of Church Order.
3. Provide a written sermon and present it orally to Presbytery. (BCO 19-2)

Front 33

What is internship?

Back 33

The Holy Scriptures require that some trial be made of those who are to be ordained to the ministry of the Word, concerning their gifts and their ability to rule as teaching elders. (BCO 19-7)

Front 34

What steps must a church take in calling a pastor?

Back 34

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. (BCO 20)

Front 35

In what areas must a candidate for ordination be examined?

Back 35

"1. Experiential religion (personal character and family management)
2. Knowledge of Greek and Hebrew
3. Bible content
4. Theology
5. Sacraments
6. Church History
7. History of the PCA
8. Principles and rules of the government and discipline of the church.
9. Prepare a thesis on some theological topic
10. Prepare an exegesis on an assigned portion of Scripture.
11. Preach a sermon. (BCO 21-4)

Front 36

What vows must a candidate for ordination take?

Back 36

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. (BCO 21-5)

Front 37

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

Back 37

The Presbytery has the final say in establishing or dissolving pastoral relations. (BCO 23-1)

Front 38

How may a pastoral relation be dissolved?

Back 38

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. (BCO 23-1)

Front 39

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

Back 39

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.

Front 40

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

Back 40

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 to voting is done by private ballot. (BCO 24-1,4,5)

Front 41

In what areas is a nominee to be examined?

Back 41

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 lll)
3. Duties of office to which he is nominated.
4. Willingness to give assent to the question required for ordination. (BCO 24-1)

Front 42

How may a congregational meeting be called?

Back 42

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 (BCO 25-2)

Front 43

Who can vote at a congregational meeting?

Back 43

The congregation consists of all communing members of a particular church, and they only are entitled to vote BCO 25.1

Front 44

What officers are required at a congregational meeting

Back 44

Moderator (Pastor or elected person)
Clerk (elected person)

Front 45

Who owns the property of the local church?

Back 45

The local church (BCO 25-8)

Front 46

How may the Book of Church Order be amended?

Back 46

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

Front 47

How may the doctrinal standards be amended?

Back 47

1. Approval of ¾ majority at General Assembly
2. Consent of ¾ Presbyteries
3. Approval of ¾ majority at subsequent General Assembly

Front 48

What portions of the BCO cannot be amended?

Back 48

All sections of the BCO may be amended

Front 49

What is church discipline?

Back 49

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 tern 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)

Front 50

What is the goal of church discipline?

Back 50

The glory of God, the purity of his church, the keeping and reclaiming of disobedient sinners. (BCO 27-3)

Front 51

What are the proper steps of church discipline?

Back 51

Instruction in the Word. Individual responsibility to admonish. Calling of one or more witnesses. Action of the church court. (BCO 27-5)

Front 52

Who is primarily responsible for disciplining non-communing members?

Back 52

Primarily their parents. (BCO 28-1)

Front 53

List and define church censures.

Back 53

• Admonition: Formal reproof of an offender
• Suspension from sacraments: the temporary exclusion from those ordinances (indefinite).
• Suspension from office: exclusion of a church officer from his office (definite or indefinite duration).
• Excommunication: excision of an offender from the communion of the church.
• Deposition-degradation of an officer from office (with/without other censure). (BCO30-1)"

Front 54

With what court should charges be filed?

Back 54

With the court of original jurisdiction which rests with the body in which a person is a member. (BCO 31-1)

Front 55

What must be done before the formal charges are brought?

Back 55

Sessions and Presbyteries must determine from such persons satisfactory explanations concerning reports affecting their Christian character. (BCO 31-2)

Front 56

When must a formal judicial process be pursued?

Back 56

When the court finds through investigation a strong presumption of guilt in the party involved. (BCO 31-2)

Front 57

How many witnesses are required?

Back 57

More than one (BCO 35-3)

Front 58

How should a censure be administered?

Back 58

With all tenderness and in a spirit of meekness
•Suited to the nature of the offenses
•See BCO 36 for details

Front 59

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

Back 59

Repentance and restoration to the body

Front 60

Define "review and control".

Back 60

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. (BCO 40-2)

Front 61

Define "reference".

Back 61

A formal request for advice from a lower court to a higher court. (BCO 41-1)

Front 62

Define "appeal".

Back 62

A transfer to a higher court of a judicial case which has been ruled on by a lower court. (BCO 42-1)

Front 63

How quickly must an appeal be filed?

Back 63

Within 30 days following the meeting of the court. (BCO 42-4)

Front 64

Define "complaint".

Back 64

A written representation made against some act or decision of a court of the Church (BCO 43-1)

Front 65

How quickly must a complaint be filed?

Back 65

Within 30 days of the meeting of the court. (BCO 43-2)

Front 66

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

Back 66

That member should transfer his membership to his new church. (BCO 46-1)

Front 67

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

Back 67

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. (BCO 38-4)

Front 68

What is an associate member?

Back 68

A member of a church who is temporarily living outside of their permanent home. (BCO 46-4)

Front 69

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

Back 69

"...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 Worship of God

Front 70

What rule guides public worship?

Back 70

The Scriptures. (BCO 47-1)

Front 71

What is the purpose of public worship?

Back 71

To glorify God. (BCO 47-3)

Front 72

What are the proper elements of worship?

Back 72

Reading of Scripture
Singing of psalms and hymns
Prayer
Preaching the Word
Presentation of offerings
Confession of Faith
Observing the Sacraments
(On special occasions taking oaths)

Front 73

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

Back 73

By keeping it holy, participating in public and private worship, and resting.

Front 74

Who is responsible for deciding who preaches in a church?

Back 74

The session (BCO 53-6)

Front 75

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

Back 75

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

Front 76

Who admits people to the Lord's Supper?

Back 76

The Session

Front 77

What vows are made in a profession of faith?

Back 77

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 "