My dear Readers,
Today we continue with the series of articles setting forth some of the distinctives held by Bible-Presbyterian Church of W.A.
9. Presbyterian Form of Church Government
We believe that the Bible-Presbyterian form of church government is the nearest in accordance to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
The form of government of the Church is clearly articled in the Constitution of Bible-Presbyterian Church of W.A. Highlights of its form of government are given here for a better understanding of the management and administration of the church.
The Church is governed by sound principles, which are foundational to its role as an instrument of God Almighty for the purpose of carrying out His eternal plan and purpose for His chosen people in particular, and the world at large in general. A cardinal principle is that “God alone is Lord of the conscience” and “hath left it free from the doctrine and commandments of men, which are in any thing contrary to His Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship” (Article 5.1). Hence, all Church power, whether it is vested in the congregation or in any of its officers is only “ministerial and declarative”. The only authority on faith and conduct is the Holy Scriptures and “all its decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God” (Article 5.7). It is absolutely essential that those admitted as teachers and preachers in the Church be truly sound in “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
The Church is committed to the task of evangelism and missions, fellowship and discipleship, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Worship, Christian education, weddings and funerals, and the stewardship of the manifold resources bestowed by God.
The management and administration of the Church rest on the Session of the church. The Pastor will be the Chairman or Moderator of the Session.
The spiritual oversight of the church in matters of doctrine, principles of government, church elections, admission and discipline of members, and the administrative oversight of the Church shall be the specific responsibilities of the Pastor with the full cooperation and participation of the Board of Elders (Article 11.2). Deacons work in concert with the Elders.
All Session members of the Church are elected to hold office for a period of three years by the congregation at a Congregational Meeting. All may be eligible for re-election in accordance with the terms of the Constitution.
The Church is financially supported by the freewill offerings and tithes of its members and gifts, donations from friends and by such other income as may be derived by the Church according to the Holy Scriptures. (To be continued.)
Yours lovingly in the Lord,
Pastor Ed
