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TABLE
CPM-Committee on
HISTORY |
Here are some links and
information for the revised form of government: The Presbytery of the James’ Stated Clerk has some notes on the revisions. Those notes are at: Notes on FORM OF GOVERNMENT TASK FORCE REPORT 1. FOG Task Force was created by the 217th (2006) General Assembly. 2. FOG Task Force submitted its report in September, 2007, to the church for review. 3. FOG Task Force Report and Recommendations are before the GA this summer for action. 4. PCUSA Constitution is composed of two parts: a. Book of Confessions b. Book of Order i. Form of Government: only portion under consideration ii. Directory for Worship iii. Rules of Discipline 5. Recommendation is to replace current FOG with two parts: a. Foundations of Presbyterian Polity (F Section, 3 chapters) b. Form of Government (G Section, 6 chapters) 6. Current Form of Government a. Chapters 1-4 are theological underpinnings b. Chapters 5-18 are Form of Government FOUNDATIONS SECTION (3 chapters) New Foundations Section is composed of 3 chapters: 1. The Mission of the Church 2. The Church and Its Confessions 3. Principles of Order and Government
Foundations Section will apply to all three parts of the Book of Order. It has brought 63 of the 67 paragraphs from Chapters 1-4 of the current Book of Order into the new section Two foci of the Foundations section 1. Reflects at length on the statement in the Nicene Creed that the church is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” 2. Three Reformation Notes in the Scots’ Confession form the basic structure of the work of church councils: a. The Word is Truly Proclaimed and Heard b. The Sacraments are Rightly Administered. c. Nurture the Covenant Community through an Upright Ministry of Ecclesiastical Discipline. If approved, this section would stay in place for at least six years before changes could be made to it. Notes on Form of Government Task Force Report Page 2 FORM OF GOVERNMENT SECTION (6 chapters) Chapter 1: Congregations and their Membership: Most of current chapters 5 and 7 Chapter 2: Ordered Ministry, Commissioning, and Certification Office and Officer have change to Ordered Ministry and Ordered Minister Changes in titles: Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders Elders may be elected for three year term; aggregative of six G-6.0106a, b are kept in tact G-6.0108 a, b are kept in tact No required committees are given (i.e., Council, COM, CPM, etc.) Two kinds of Pastoral Relationships are given: Installed Pastoral Relationships Temporary Pastoral Relationships Titles to be determined by presbytery All Temporary Pastoral Relationships can become permanent Required ¾ vote of presbytery Preparation for Ministry
Two years required; member of congregation for six months required; All specificity of current Form of Government not found Ordination exams, seminary graduate, etc., still required.
Chapter 3: Councils of the Church Most of current chapter 9 Contains Session, Synod, and GA Council information here Each governing body determines quorum Notes from Scots Confession: (Illustration is for Presbytery only) 1. Provide that the Word is truly proclaimed and heard. Session Presbytery This responsibility shall include organizing, receiving, and merging congregations in consultation with their members;overseeing congregations without pastors; establishing pastoral relationships and dissolving them; guiding the preparation of those preparing to become ministers of the Word and Sacrament, or for other professional service in the church; establishing and maintaining those ecumenical relationships that will enlarge the life and mission of the church in its district; providing encouragement, guidance, and resources to congregations in the areas of mission action, leadership development, worship, evangelism, and responsible administration to the end that the church’s witness to the love and grace of God may be heard in the world. Synod GA Notes on Form of Government Task Force Report Page 3
2. Provide that the Sacraments are rightly administered Session Presbytery This responsibility shall include authorizing the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at its meetings at least annually and for fellowship groups, new church developments, and other non-congregational entities meeting within its bounds; authorizing and training specific ruling elders to administer or preside at the Lord’s Supper when it deems it necessary to meet the needs for the administration of the Sacrament; and exercising pastoral care for the congregations and members of presbytery, visiting sessions and ministers of the Word and Sacrament on a regular basis in order that the Sacraments may be received as a means of grace, and the presbytery may live in the unity represented in the Sacraments. Synod GA 3. Nurture the covenant community through the upright ministry of ecclesiastical discipline Session Presbytery This responsibility shall include ordaining, receiving, dismissing, installing, removing, and disciplining minister members; commissioning elders as commissioned pastors; promoting the peace and harmony of congregations and inquiring into the sources of congregational discord; supporting congregations in developing the graces of generosity, stewardship, and service; assisting congregations in developing mission and participating in the mission of the whole church; warning and bearing witness against error in doctrine and immorality in practice within the congregation and community; and serving in judicial matters in accordance with the Rules of Discipline. Synod GA Presbyteries in a Synod by a 2/3 vote of the presbyteries may reduce Synod duties to administrative review and judicial review only. Chapter 4: The Church and Civil Authority Chapter 7 about incorporation Chapter 5: Ecumenicity and Union Current G-15, 16, 17 Relationships with other denominations Union Presbyteries Joint Congregational Witness Notes on Form of Government Task Force Report Page 4 Chapter 6: Amendments The FOG Task Force, after feedback to their report since September, 2007, will make these Additional recommendations: 1. Interim pastors cannot be next installed pastor 2. Associate pastors cannot be next installed pastor 3. Validated ministries not required to include proclamation of the Word and administration of the Sacraments 4. Councils above the session may establish committees to advocate for diversity in leadership. |
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Presbytery of the James |