Dear BPCWA worshipper, Last week, we announced the start of the process in preparation for our Triennial Elections. Members wishing to submit proposals for new nominations into Session can do so by submitting the forms (available from any Session member) to Pastor by next Sunday, 26 February.  The aim of this pastoral is to ensure that, if you are intending to nominate someone, the guidelines are clear to you.

The Processing Before Elections. We are announcing for proposals rather early in the year. This is primarily due to the need to have all new nominations submit several papers. This is the process that has been adopted some years ago. These papers are to assess their understanding and ability to articulate the faith as well as to practically apply their doctrines in living out the faith they profess. As we understand that any potential candidates are working people with busy schedules, we want to allow the candidates time to think through the issues. These papers will also allow us to have their convictions documented on key matters. Hence, we have planned in a few months for them to write and submit these papers. Thereafter, any candidates will need to be interviewed by the Board of Elders based on these papers as well as on any other questions that may arise, to determine their suitability. This interview is conducted by the BOE (Rev Paul and myself). This complete process, interspersed with several busy periods in the church calendar until our ACM, and then planning in the needed preparation for elections etc., necessitates the need for us to start the process now.

Requirements of the person(s) proposed.  Do you know the candidate’s spiritual walk well enough to responsibly put him forward for God’s church? Members who propose someone to be considered for nomination to the position of Deacon must exercise the responsibility to carefully consider and check that the person is indeed suitable for the office. As mentioned in the forms, together with the criteria stated in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5, proposers must also the other areas indicated are also met by the candidate(s). What is in the form is mainly a combination of what is in our Constitution and our membership forms, serving to remind potential candidates of these aspects of their Christian living to take note of.  The following summarizes what is intended in the forms as some important considerations 1) Doctrinal convictions. How well do you know the candidate’s biblical convictions? Have you spoken to the candidate about it? It goes without saying that everyone who wishes to be a Session member in a church (in our case BPCWA) must have personal beliefs that are fully aligned in convictions with that church (ie, the Bible-Presbyterian faith which we uphold). It is not just about “accepting” these beliefs while they are here or while they are in office, but the beliefs must be truly what they sincerely hold to, thus being the very fabric of who they are. This is important for the unity of the Session and BPCWA, and there is no other way for them to serve with a good conscience as decisions made in the church will be based on these principles. Truth unites.  To have unity in the Session begins with doctrinal unity. Whatever they think or learned previously or encounter out in the world, they must be willing to put everything aside and be subject to the Word of God. 2) Practical application in Christian living. Having doctrinal convictions must be coupled with a life of godliness to serve God acceptably, and for God to even use the services rendered We cannot have Session members with backslidden Christian lives because that will reflect in their thinking, choices, decisions, and service. Instead, their thoughts must be guided firstly on “what does the Bible say about this situation?”. To have such a life begins with a life of prayer and a study of the Word that extends beyond doing it personally but also joining with the church in these activities. This means that the person will be at church prayer meetings and Bible studies are minimal indications of their spiritual walk, interests, and love for God’s work in BPCWA. It will also be evident in how they lead their families according to God’s ways. Their lives and the lives of their families are ruled by the Bible, following the Biblical model. If married, the candidate must prove that he rules his family spiritually and that the wife and children are submitted to his headship. 3) Commitment to God and His church, BPCWA. Though there will be increased responsibilities after appointment, one who takes up the office of Deacon does not start serving only when they are in the office but are already a proven servant. This means that the person would already have been serving very actively in church (very likely in more than just 1 area or aspect) over a sufficiently long period. After all, the office of a deacon is that of being a servant who has been found to be fully committed and diligent. Title or no title, they would be willing to serve God, because there is no pride or desire for attention – ie not with eyeservice to be seen or known by men. Being a deacon also means that they will be office bearers in BPCWA. Whatever church or Christian background they used to be from and what Christian friendships they’ve had, they must have a loyalty to God’s truth, BPCWA’s constitution and direction, and God’s people in BPCWA above that. They must be willing to accept and support how things are run in BPCWA, which may be different from their home church due to differences in beliefs, congregation, and needs. Every decision or service as a deacon must be based on what is best for BPCWA collectively, even if it is a difficult decision personally, for the candidate’s own family, or for friendships. It cannot be made for self-promotion, to desire to be like another church, or based upon their personal preferences or conveniences. 4) Maturity of faith and thinking.  “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Act 6:3) Thus, our Constitution wisely requires that such men must be “faithful and mature members of the Body of Christ.” Session members must be spiritual men and must also have wisdom. They will have to take care of the affairs of the church in the ministries put under them. How well do you know the decision-making maturity of the person you are proposing? It is not what you think the person is capable of, but what you know by firsthand experience. Anyone who is considered for nomination into Session cannot be “heady” (2 Tim 3:4), especially in the affairs of the church. It is not just about whether the person can, has been, or is willing to serve. Maturity of character and thinking is something that cannot be overlooked. We are told to “be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1Cor 14:20). Anyone nominated must know how to think rightly on issues, considering the implications and consequences of the available options – while at the same time not getting lost in the maze and losing sight of the bigger picture of God’s work and the church as a whole. We need thinking men of faith and faithfulness for God’s work.

I hope that this pastoral will help every member understand and have confidence in the objective process and due diligence that we have adopted in nominating new members to Session. As is expected by the Constitution and is Biblical, the election process must be “carefully screened by the Board of Elders to ensure that only those with the essential qualifications and who are in full agreement with the doctrinal stand of the Bible-Presbyterian Church, in particular with its Principle and Practice of Biblical Separation, are considered for nomination and election to the Church Session”. Do pray always for a faithful Session that will serve our Lord with zeal and faithfulness in the upcoming years. Likewise, anyone who accepts the nomination must be given time to prayerfully consider if they can live up to the commitment of the office.  Service to the Almighty God must not be half-hearted. So, anyone who is willing to stand must carefully consider and be ready, as our Constitution states, “. . . to participate wholeheartedly in the ministry of the Church, with the Pastor, and to devote time, talents and resources in such ministry which shall include serving in the various departments of the Church”. Serving God is never easy and will always be full of difficulties and challenges. Nevertheless, if it is God’s will, God will always give the grace to accomplish it with a ready heart.

Lu 14:28-29 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Yours in our Lord’s service,
Pastor