Presbyterian Church Government, Pt. 1

The Solemn League and Covenant entered into and signed by both England and Scotland in 1643 called for a specific kind of government which was Biblical, according to the best reformed churches on the continent, and most likely to secure the peace of the church. Such a form of government would also lack the hierarchy of Episcopacy and a kind of independency which contributed to sectarianism and anarchy. Working within these parameters, the Westminster Assembly of Divines formulated what is known as "Presbyterianism." Presbyterianism is the form of church government instituted by Christ and revealed in Scripture which consists of two permanent officers, elders and deacons, and a system of graded courts which rule the church according to Scripture. This message focuses on Christ's institution of church government as revealed in Scripture and the two permanent church offices. Attention is also given to the functional distinctions contained within the eldership and the application of presbyterian principles to officers and church members.