Isabella Carter
Chapter 57 of the Book of Church Order (BCO) is one of the chapters comprising The Directory for the Worship of God (Part III of the BCO, chapters 47 through 63) that has been given full constitutional authority. It covers the topic of Admission to Sealing Ordinances (Communing Membership). The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and is considered to be a statement of how the church is to be governed by biblical principles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Authority | Yes |
| Chapter Number | 57 |
| Topic | Admission to Sealing Ordinances (Communing Membership) |
| Related Chapters | 56, 58 |
| Membership Questions | Mandatory |
| Membership Vows | Same as Communicant Members |
| Exceptions | Discretion given to Minister's Presbytery or Ruling Elder's Session |
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What You'll Learn
Communicant members and their privileges
Communicant members are entitled to the shepherding care, instruction, and government of the church. This is a privilege that all members, communing and non-communing, are afforded. Communicant members are also afforded the privileges of clergy–penitent privilege, or priest–penitent privilege, which is a rule of evidence that forbids judicial inquiry into certain communications between clergy and members of their congregation. This is similar to attorney–client privilege.
In the context of the PCA, communicant members are members regardless of their age, and all the privileges and requirements apply to them. However, it is important to note that the church is not a "dispenser of religious goods and services." Instead, it is the kingdom of Jesus Christ, requiring members to submit to the government of the church and its officers.
The Book of Church Order (BCO) also makes provision for associate members, who are believers temporarily residing in a location other than their permanent homes. These associate members have all the rights and privileges of that church, except for voting in congregational or corporation meetings and holding an office in that church.
In terms of the transition to communicant membership, the minister and elders are responsible for interviewing intending communicants. This is done to test the individual's faith, love, and obedience in an objective manner before admitting them to the privilege of the sacrament. The elders also help individuals examine their experience and describe their feelings in a sensitive way.
In terms of the constitutional authority of Chapter 57 in the BCO, it is important to note that this chapter is indeed one of the chapters that have been given full constitutional authority.
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Membership vows and mandatory questions
Chapter 57 of the Book of Church Order (BCO) deals with the "Admission to Sealing Ordinances (Communing Membership)". It is one of three chapters in the fourth section of the BCO that have full constitutional authority. The other two are Chapters 56 and 58, which deal with "Baptism" and "Admission to the Lord's Supper", respectively.
The BCO outlines the process for admitting new members to the church, including the mandatory membership questions that must be asked. These questions are designed to assess a person's knowledge, principles, and Christian conduct. While the specific questions are not listed, there is a concern that they may be too difficult for children to understand. As such, some churches have modified the questions to be more accessible for younger applicants without changing the content. However, it is important to note that these modifications are not officially recognised or sanctioned.
The fifth membership question, in particular, has sparked debate. This question asks applicants to vow to submit to the government and discipline of the church. Some argue that this question places an undue burden on children, who are already expected to submit to their parents' authority. This has led to discussions about the appropriate age for admitting children to the Lord's table and the level of discretion given to individual churches in interpreting and applying the BCO's principles.
While there is room for interpretation and exception in the BCO, it is important to note that it serves as a unifying standard for church governance. Any exceptions or modifications to its principles should be carefully considered and approved through the proper channels to maintain unity and peace within the church.
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The role of the minister
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is governed by the Book of Church Order (BCO), which outlines the ecclesiastical structure and form of government of the church. Chapters 47 through 63 of the BCO, known as The Directory for the Worship of God, include specific chapters with constitutional authority, such as Chapter 57 on Admission to Sealing Ordinances (Communing Membership).
In the Presbyterian form of church government, the minister is subject to the authority of the church courts, which include the Session, the Presbytery, and the General Assembly. The minister's immediate governing body is typically the Session, which has jurisdiction over a single church. The Presbytery, on the other hand, has authority over ministers, sessions, and churches within a prescribed district.
Ministers are expected to abide by the decisions and interpretations of the BCO made by these church courts. For example, in matters related to marriage, Chapter 59 of the BCO states that ministers must obey civil laws regarding marriage as long as they do not conflict with the laws of God as interpreted by the Constitution of the PCA. Ministers are also expected to uphold the biblical teachings on marriage as outlined in the BCO, which states that marriage is between one man and one woman.
While ministers may have some discretion in interpreting and applying the BCO, they are generally not permitted to practice exceptions to it. If a minister disagrees with a particular aspect of the BCO, there are formal processes to appeal and seek changes, rather than unilaterally ignoring or disregarding it. This hierarchical structure and adherence to the BCO help maintain order and consistency within the Presbyterian Church.
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The authority of the BCO
The Book of Church Order (BCO) is the governing authority of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). It lays out the ecclesiastical structure of the church, including the roles and responsibilities of its members and leaders. Chapters 1 through 26 of the BCO constitute the first part of the book and deal with the PCA's Form of Government.
Chapter 57 of the BCO, in particular, is one of the chapters within Part III of the book, known as The Directory for the Worship of God. This chapter, along with chapters 56, 58, and 59-3, has been given full constitutional authority. Specifically, Chapter 57 focuses on Admission to Sealing Ordinances (Communing Membership). It outlines the requirements for individuals to become communing members of the church, including the mandatory questions that must be asked during the membership interview.
The BCO is not just a set of guidelines but carries binding constitutional authority. It is the result of careful consideration of biblical principles and is meant to ensure the unity and peace of the church. While there may be exceptions or modifications to certain practices, these are typically decided by the minister's presbytery or ruling elder's session, and even then, they must follow the established process for making changes to the BCO.
The BCO also outlines the structure and jurisdiction of the church courts, which include Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly. These courts work together to govern the church, with each level having its own "sphere of action" and rights and powers. The lower courts are subject to the review and control of the higher courts, ensuring a unified and consistent approach to church governance.
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The BCO's constitutional status
The Book of Church Order (BCO) is the governing authority of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). It lays out the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA, including the roles of Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly as church courts.
Chapters 47 to 63 of the BCO comprise The Directory for the Worship of God, which falls under Part III of the BCO. Within this directory, only BCO 56, 57, 58, and 59-3 have been granted full constitutional authority. BCO 57 specifically addresses Admission to Sealing Ordinances (Communing Membership).
The constitutional status of the BCO is significant because it establishes the guidelines for church governance and practice. It is considered a statement of how the denomination has agreed to govern the church based on biblical principles. While ministers may have exceptions to certain sections of the BCO, they are generally expected to abide by its standards. Deviating from the BCO is believed to potentially disrupt the unity and peace of the church.
The BCO also outlines the process for amending its procedures. According to BCO 26.3, amending the BCO requires a majority vote at the General Assembly (GA), the advice and consent of two-thirds of Presbyteries, and a subsequent majority vote at another GA. This process emphasizes the importance of consensus and the input of various church courts in shaping the constitutional authority of the PCA.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, chapter 57 in the BCO, which covers the topic of admission to sealing ordinances and communing membership, has full constitutional authority.
The BCO, or the Book of Church Order, lays out the ecclesiastical structure and form of government for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and is meant to provide a statement of how the church is to be governed by biblical principles.
While some sources suggest that ministers are not allowed to make exceptions to the BCO, others indicate that discretion is given to a minister's presbytery to teach and modify practices as they see fit.
Not following the BCO could potentially result in chaos within the church and disrupt the unity and peace of the congregation.
