Eleanor Finch
The Book of Church Order (BCO) is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). It is subject to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and the word of God. The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and has full constitutional authority over the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA, including the jurisdiction of Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly. While the BCO allows for exceptions to be made in certain cases, it is not to be laid aside to prevent chaos and lawlessness. Only BCO 56, 57, 58, and 59-3 of the Directory for the Worship of God have been given full constitutional authority.
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What You'll Learn
- The BCO is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
- The BCO is subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
- The BCO has full constitutional authority over the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA
- Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly represent three different grades of Church courts
- The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and cannot be laid aside
The BCO is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
The Book of Church Order, commonly referred to as BCO, is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The BCO is subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and the word of God. The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and has full constitutional authority over the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA, including the jurisdiction of its courts and the disciplinary process.
The BCO's first part, comprising Chapters 1 through 26, outlines the PCA's Form of Government and describes the ecclesiastical jurisdiction exercised jointly by presbyters or elders in the courts of the Church. Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly represent three different grades of Church courts, each with its own sphere of action or jurisdiction. The BCO establishes that ecclesiastical discipline must be moral or spiritual in nature and cannot impose civil penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
While the BCO carries constitutional authority, it is subject to interpretation and application by ministers and ruling elders, who may take exceptions to certain sections. These exceptions are generally matters of conscience rather than changes in practice. The BCO also provides guidelines for committees and commissions appointed by the Church courts to examine and conclude specific business matters.
The Directory for the Worship of God, Part III of the BCO (chapters 47 through 63), has been given full constitutional authority, specifically BCO chapters 56, 57, 58, and 59-3. These chapters outline the PCA's ecclesiastical structure and govern the administration of sacraments, such as the Lord's Supper.
The BCO, as part of the PCA's constitution, helps maintain order and prevent chaos within the Church. It summarises the fundamental principles of biblical church government and ensures that the PCA's practices are aligned with the teachings of the Bible.
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The BCO is subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
The Book of Church Order, commonly referred to as BCO, is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America. It is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, which are considered the inerrant Word of God. This means that the BCO is understood as an outworking of biblical principles in the ordering and governance of the church.
The BCO outlines the ecclesiastical structure of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), including the roles and responsibilities of Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly. These church courts have inherent rights and powers, with the General Assembly having jurisdiction over matters concerning the whole Church. The BCO also establishes committees and commissions to examine and conclude specific business referred to them by their respective courts.
While the BCO carries constitutional authority, it is not set in stone. There are mechanisms in place to address disagreements or exceptions to the BCO. For example, a minister's presbytery or a ruling elder's session may have discretion to teach and modify practices based on their interpretation of the BCO and Westminster Standards. However, individual changes in practice are generally not permitted, as this could lead to chaos and inconsistency within the church.
It is important to note that the BCO is not pitted against the Bible. Instead, it is seen as a reflection of biblical principles applied to the specific context of church governance. This subordinate position ensures that the BCO remains consistent with the Scriptures and that the church is governed according to the Word of God.
In summary, the BCO is subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and its authority is derived from its consistency with biblical principles. The BCO provides a framework for the governance of the Presbyterian Church in America, with flexibility built-in to address exceptions and interpretations while maintaining order and unity within the church.
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The BCO has full constitutional authority over the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA
The Book of Church Order (BCO) is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Chapters 1 through 26 of the BCO outline the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA, which includes the ecclesiastical jurisdiction exercised by presbyters (Elders) in the courts of the Church.
The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and has full constitutional authority over the ecclesiastical structure of the PCA. While the Bible is considered the ultimate authority, with the BCO as the outworking of biblical principles, the BCO is not simply a suggestion or guideline. It carries binding constitutional authority and cannot be laid aside without resulting in chaos.
The ecclesiastical structure of the PCA is organized into three grades of Church courts: Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly. Each court has its own specified "sphere of action" or jurisdiction. Sessions have jurisdiction over a single church, Presbyteries over ministers, sessions, and churches within a prescribed district, and the General Assembly over matters concerning the whole Church.
The BCO outlines the processes and procedures for the functioning of these courts. For example, it establishes the process for appointing committees to examine and report on particular issues (BCO 15-1) and the authority of commissions to deliberate and conclude business (BCO 15-1). It also defines the roles and responsibilities of presbyters (Elders) within the courts.
The BCO's authority over the ecclesiastical structure ensures that the PCA functions in an orderly and consistent manner, providing a framework for the governance and discipline of the Church. While there may be exceptions or modifications to specific practices, the overall structure and processes outlined in the BCO are to be followed, reflecting the commitment to biblical principles and the belief that the BCO is an outworking of these principles.
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Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly represent three different grades of Church courts
The Book of Church Order (BCO) is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America. Sessions, Presbyteries, and the General Assembly represent three different grades of Church courts, each with distinct functions and jurisdictions.
Sessions, also known as local church Sessions, have jurisdiction over a single church and its congregation. They are responsible for the overall ministry of the congregation, encompassing pastoral care, worship, Christian education, stewardship, and mission. Sessions consist of ministers of the Word, teaching elders, evangelists, and ruling elders. Regular matters handled by Sessions include the reception and dismissal of members, oversight of the work of pastors and ruling elders, and general shepherding oversight. Sessions convene regularly and may also assemble for special occasions, ensuring their decisions align with Scriptures and the confessional standards.
Presbyteries, on the other hand, have a broader scope of jurisdiction. They oversee what is common to the ministers, Sessions, and churches within a prescribed district or region. Presbyteries are composed of all the ministers and ruling elders of the congregations within their region. They typically hold regular meetings and may also convene for special business, such as services of ordination and installation for ministers. Presbyteries support and supervise their congregations and ministers, providing guidance and direction.
The General Assembly, the highest decision-making body in the Presbyterian Church, has jurisdiction over matters concerning the entire Church. It consists of voting commissioners, including moderators, clerks, ministers, and ruling elders. The Assembly meets annually to discuss and make decisions on theology, polity, reports, petitions, overtures, references, and appeals. Its decisions carry weight and are made with careful consideration, sometimes requiring extended study.
While these three grades of Church courts have distinct roles, they are considered "one in nature, constituted of the same elements, possessed inherently of the same kinds of rights and powers, and differing only as the Constitution may provide" (BCO 11-3). The lower courts, such as Sessions and Presbyteries, are subject to the review and control of the higher courts, like the General Assembly, ensuring unity and consistency in the Church's governance.
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The BCO is the governing authority of the Church and cannot be laid aside
The Book of Church Order, commonly referred to as BCO, is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America. It is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inerrant Word of God. The BCO is comprised of the Form of Government, the Rules of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship as adopted by the Church.
While the BCO is the governing authority, it is important to note that it is not set in stone. There are mechanisms in place to address disagreements or exceptions to the BCO. For example, a minister's presbytery or a ruling elder's session has discretion to teach and/or modify practices to accommodate certain exceptions to the BCO. However, allowing exceptions does not mean that individuals can change their practices unilaterally, as this would lead to chaos and inconsistency within the Church.
The BCO also outlines the process for committees and commissions to examine and conclude on specific issues or situations within the Church. For instance, a committee may be appointed to "examine, consider and report" on a particular issue and make recommendations to the respective court (BCO 15-1). Similarly, a commission is authorised to "deliberate upon and conclude" on the business referred to it by the court (BCO 15-1). These provisions within the BCO ensure that the Church has a structured and orderly process for decision-making and governance.
In conclusion, the BCO is the governing authority of the Presbyterian Church in America and plays a crucial role in maintaining order and consistency within the Church. While exceptions and modifications may be considered, the BCO cannot be laid aside as it provides the necessary framework for the functioning and organisation of the Church.
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Frequently asked questions
The Book of Church Order, commonly referred to as BCO, is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America.
The BCO is the governing authority of the Church. It is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inerrant Word of God.
There are ways to appeal and change the BCO. However, one is not free to ignore the BCO as it carries binding constitutional authority.
Of the chapters comprising The Directory for the Worship of God (Part III of the Book of Church Order, chapters 47 through 63), only BCO 56, 57, 58, and 59-3 have been given full constitutional authority.
