B. Formal Church Discipline If informal discipline does not result in satisfactory correction, then those who are aware of the need for discipline are expected to call the matter to the attention of the elders. Formal discipline will be pursued only after Scriptural prerequisites have been satisfied and the elders have made sufficient inquiry. Such [...]
Confession Exceptions
General 1. While we agree with the doctrines of the WCF, we do not always agree with how those doctrines are supported with the Scripture proof texts which the Westminster Divines cited. Chapter I Of the Holy Scripture 2. Para. 2 We are unwilling to be dogmatic as to the Pauline authorship of the book [...]
Confession_Memorials
Memorials Memorials are intended to state the position of the CRE on issues which cannot be addressed effectively in constitutional language, but on which some sort of constitutional statement is desired. Memorials are intended to state the position of the CRE on issues which do not rise to a confessional level, or on issues concerning [...]
Confession: Introduction
This entry is part of a series, wcf» What We Believe & TeachChrist Church is a “confessional” church. That means we “confess” to believe an historic doctrinal statement called a “confession” that many other churches have subscribed to for hundreds of years. Our confession of faith is the Westminster 1646, which we hold to with [...]
Constitution – Preamble
In the church of God all things are to be done decently and in order. This pertains to the government of the church as much as to the corporate worship of the church. Convinced that Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, will protect and guide us, we seek to obey Scripture through the following [...]
Constitution Chapter 1 - Members and Electors
A. MembersThe procedures of membership outlined below are designed solely for the purpose of maintaining scriptural and accountable local church government (Heb. 13:17), such that our affairs are conducted in decency and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). In no way is our practice of membership to be construed in such a way as to disrupt [...]
Constitution Chapter 2 – Selection of Elders and Deacons
The selection of officers to lead the church is a vital element of her corporate life. A man may be considered as a potential officer in several ways. He may aspire to the office himself (1 Tim. 3:1), the elders may approach him, or the people of the church may suggest his name to the [...]
Constitution Chapter 3 – Duties of Church Officers
A. Elders The elders are collectively responsible to oversee the following: Ruling/shepherding (1 Pet. 5:1-2). Equipping (Eph. 4:11-12). Prayer/fasting (Acts 6:4; 13:1-3). Teaching/preaching (1 Tim. 5:17). Administering baptism and the Lord’s Table (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). Administering church discipline and restoration (1 Cor. 5:1-5). Prayer for the healing of the sick (Jas. 5:14-15). Delegating [...]
Constitution Chapter 4 – Removal of Elders and Deacons
If one of the saints believes an elder or deacon may be morally or doctrinally unfit for his office, the scriptural requirement for him is clear: he is to approach that officer individually first (Matt. 18:15), and then with one or two others (Matt. 18:16). If the problem remains, then the individual, with the two [...]
Constitution Chapter 5A – Discipline (Informal Church Discipline)
A. Informal Church Discipline The ordinary course of discipline is informal. Members are encouraged to self-discipline, overlooking the failings of others in love (1 Pet. 4:8), and encouraging other members to covenant faithfulness by confronting brothers and sisters who are in sin and bringing along witnesses when necessary (Matt. 18:15, 16). In the case of [...]