The Meaning and Importance of

Church Discipline

Denominational Concerns

Open Forum #3

Because the PC(USA) does not state what is essential, virtually all views of the inspiration of Scripture and the nature of God and salvation are permitted among ordained leadership

Review: “The Big Tent”

No Council of the church is permitted to set specific standards for ordination in addition to what is in the Book of Order.

Review: “The Big Tent”

The “true church” is characterized by:1. Right preaching of the Word2. Right administration of the

Sacraments3. Right administration of

church discipline

John Calvin

Discipline is our attempt to steer people toward godly living, and protect the body from false teaching or immoral behavior.

The Purpose of Church Discipline

The purpose of discipline is to honor God by making clear the significance of membership in the body of Christ; to preserve the purity of the church by nourishing the individual within the life of the believing community; to achieve justice and compassion for all participants involved;

Book of Discipline

to correct or restrain wrongdoing in order to bring members to repentance and restoration; to uphold the dignity of those who have been harmed by disciplinary offenses; to restore the unity of the church by removing the causes of discord and division; and to secure the just, speedy, and economical determination of proceedings. G-1.000

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

The Bible

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching…

2 Timothy 4:1-4

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Permanent Judicial Commissions (PJC)SessionPresbyterySynodGeneral Assembly

Court System of PC(USA)

1978 – Authoritative Interpretation about homosexual behavior and ordination.

Ordination Policy History

For the church to ordain a self-affirming, practicing homosexual person to ministry would be to act in contradiction to its charter and calling in Scripture, setting in motion both within the church and society serious contradictions to the will of Christ…

The repentant homosexual person who finds the power of Christ redirecting his or her sexual desires toward a married heterosexual commitment, or finds God's power to control his or her desires and to adopt a celibate lifestyle, can certainly be ordained, all other qualifications being met.

1978 – Authoritative Interpretation about homosexual behavior and ordination.

2001 – “Fidelity and chastity” clause added to constitution

Ordination Policy History

Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

2001 – “Fidelity and chastity” clause added to constitution

2006 – “PUP” Report allows candidates to declare a “scruple” to any constitutional provision

Ordination Policy History

2008 – General Assembly removes all previous Authoritative Interpretations regarding homosexuality, and all judicial cases based on that interpretation

Ordination Policy History

2010-2011 Presbyteries remove Fidelity/Chastity requirement from the Book of order.

Ordination Policy History

Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life… Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.

G-2.0104b

Ordination to the ordered ministry of teaching elder is an act of the whole church carried out by the presbytery, setting apart a person to ordered ministry.

G-2.0701

Carol MerrittJohn SchuckPresbytery of ElizabethJane Spahr

Recent Cases

Matthew 5 & 18Most discipline is done confidentially

At FPCD

Who is maintaining the walls?

Questions & Answers