1689 Confession, ch. 26, para. 8-11, The Local Church, 2

1689 CONFESSION, CH. 26, "OF THE CHURCH," Para. 8-11: THE LOCAL CHURCH, PART 2

I. THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH (para. 1-4). Its identity; its perpetuity; its authority.
II. THE LOCAL CHURCH (para. 5-13).
A. Its originating mandate (para. 5).
B. Its defined membership (para. 6).
C. Its authoritative power (para. 7).
D. Its appointed government (para. 8-13). Summary: The appointed government of the local church, "organized according to the mind of Christ," as found in the word of God, is to consist of both officers and members. Those officers are made up of elders and deacons, who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit, and called by the members of the church, and are to lead the church in doctrine, and worship, and in discipline; and therefore should be supported, both financially, and with honor and respect for both their office, and their ministry.

1. The identity of its government (para. 8).
2. The appointment of its government (para. 9).
3. The cornerstone of its government: the ministry of the Word, (para. 10–11)
   a. The official ministry of the Word by pastors (para. 10).
   —Its heavy responsibilities
   —Its proper honoring
   b. The auxiliary ministry of the Word by others, (para. 11)