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Presbyterian polity: Difference between revisions

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Created page with "'''Presbyterian''' (or '''presbyteral''') '''polity''' is a method of church governance ("ecclesiastical polity") typified by the rule of assemblies of presbyters, or elders. Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders usually called the session (or consistory), though other terms, such as ''church board'', may apply.<ref group="notes">For example,..."
 
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[[File:Lorimer, Ordination.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Ordination of Elders in a [[Church of Scotland|Scottish Kirk]], by [[John Henry Lorimer]], 1891. [[National Gallery of Scotland]].]]
[[File:Lorimer, Ordination.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Ordination of Elders in a [[Church of Scotland|Scottish Kirk]], by [[John Henry Lorimer]], 1891. [[National Gallery of Scotland]].]]
There are two types of elder; the ''teaching elder'' (see ''[[#Minister|Minister]]'' below) and the ''ruling elder''.
There are two types of elder; the ''teaching elder'' (see ''[[#Minister|Minister]]'' below) and the ''ruling elder''.
An excerpt from Miller (1831) expands this.
An excerpt from Miller (1831) expands this.<blockquote>In every Church completely organized, that is, furnished with all the officers which Christ has instituted and which are necessary for carrying into full effect the laws of his kingdom, there ought to be three classes of officers, viz: at least one Teaching Elder, Bishop, or Pastor — a bench of Ruling Elders — and Deacons. The first to "minister in the Word and Doctrine", and to dispense the sacraments; — the second to assist in the inspection and government of the Church; — and the third to "serve tables"; that is, to take care of the Church's funds destined for the support of the poor, and sometimes to manage whatever relates to the temporal support of the gospel and its ministers.</blockquote>Depending upon the specific denomination, teaching elders may also be referred to with terms such as "Minister of Word and Sacrament".<ref name="PCUSABOO">Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2007. "Book of Order"</ref>


{{blockquote|In every Church completely organized, that is, furnished with all the officers which Christ has instituted and which are necessary for carrying into full effect the laws of his kingdom, there ought to be three classes of officers, viz: at least one Teaching Elder, Bishop, or Pastor — a bench of Ruling Elders — and Deacons. The first to "minister in the Word and Doctrine", and to dispense the sacraments; — the second to assist in the inspection and government of the Church; — and the third to "serve tables"; that is, to take care of the Church's funds destined for the support of the poor, and sometimes to manage whatever relates to the temporal support of the gospel and its ministers.}}
The elders are persons chosen from among the congregation and ordained for this service. Beyond that, practices vary: sometimes elders are elected by the congregation, sometimes appointed by the session, in some denominations elders serve for life, others have fixed terms, and some churches appoint elders on a rotation from among willing members in good standing in the church. However, in many churches, ruling elders retain their ordination for life, even though they serve fixed terms. Even after the end of their terms, they may be active in presbyteries or other bodies, and may serve communion.<ref name="qualdut">Presbyterian Publications Office, London, 1884, "The Qualifications and Duties of Elders", in Matthews, George D. ed "Alliance of the Reformed Church Holding the Presbyterian System, Minutes and Proceedings of the Third General Council, Belfast, 1884"</ref>


Depending upon the specific denomination, teaching elders may also be referred to with terms such as "Minister of Word and Sacrament".<ref name="PCUSABOO">Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2007. "Book of Order"</ref>
In addition to sitting on the session and other church courts, ruling elders have duties as individuals. Again, Miller (1831) explains,<blockquote>It is their duty to have an eye of inspection and care over all the members of the congregation; and, for this purpose, to cultivate a universal and intimate acquaintance, as far as may be, with every family in the flock of which they are made "overseers".</blockquote>
 
The elders are persons chosen from among the congregation and ordained for this service. Beyond that, practices vary: sometimes elders are elected by the congregation,{{sfn|McHugh|1911}} sometimes appointed by the session, in some denominations elders serve for life, others have fixed terms, and some churches appoint elders on a rotation from among willing members in good standing in the church.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} However, in many churches, ruling elders retain their ordination for life, even though they serve fixed terms. Even after the end of their terms, they may be active in presbyteries or other bodies, and may serve communion.<ref name="qualdut">Presbyterian Publications Office, London, 1884, "The Qualifications and Duties of Elders", in Matthews, George D. ed "Alliance of the Reformed Church Holding the Presbyterian System, Minutes and Proceedings of the Third General Council, Belfast, 1884"</ref>
 
In addition to sitting on the session and other church courts, ruling elders have duties as individuals. Again, Miller (1831) explains,
 
It is their duty to have an eye of inspection and care over all the members of the congregation; and, for this purpose, to cultivate a universal and intimate acquaintance, as far as may be, with every family in the flock of which they are made "overseers".


===Minister===
===Minister===
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[[Category:Ecclesiastical polities]]
[[Category:Ecclesiastical polities]]
[[Category:Church of Scotland]]
[[Category:Church of Scotland]]
<references group="notes" />
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