We are subject to the Scriptures of the Old and new Testaments, the inerrant Word of God. We are committed to the systems of doctrines set forth in Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and Our Song of Hope. We are governed by the Book of Church Order of The Reformed Church In America which comprises the Form of Government, the Disciplinary and Judicial Procedures, the Bylaws and Special Rules of Order of the General Synod, and the Formularies.

 

We are committed to the inerrant and infallible authority of Scripture. We are also committed to a shared authority of a plurality of elders submitted under the authority of God as declared in scripture. The consistory is one order made up of teaching elders and ruling elders (I Tim 5:7). The teaching elder is called to oversee the congregation but his primary calling is to teach (I Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11-13). Although structurally he is equal with the other elders, functionally he is the leader of leaders as the moderator of the consistory. He must be allowed the freedom to make proposals to the consistory as well as to implement adjustments to the course of the ministry as necessary (cf. I Tim 4:11; 5:17; 6:2; 6:17; 18; Titus 1:5; 2:15). At the same time he must be sensitive and wise in the use of his freedom. Furthermore, he is a professional preacher and teacher; therefore, his leadership must be dynamically executed through those media.

 

The ruling elder is called to teach (at least by example, I Tim 3:1-8) but his primary responsibility is to oversee the flock. Therefore, the teaching elder is to be relieved of excessive administration and the ruling elder is to be relieved of excessive teaching. The ruling elders with the teaching elder set the guidelines for all the areas of church life. Our ruling elders will exercise their roles as overseers (I Tim. 3:1) not as chairman of all the committees of the church. In that way, they will be free to exercise their weightier responsibilities of shepherding and planning (I Pet. 5:1-5).

 

The elders’ service is subordinate to the Word of God (I Pt. 4:11). It is ministerial. They are “servants of the Word” (Lk. 1:2), “stewards of the mysteries of Christ” (I Cor. 4:1), and “workers” with the congregation for their “joy” (II Cor. 1:24). It is not magisterial. They must be able to correct opposition with gentleness (II Tim. 2:24f). They must “reprove, rebuke, and exhort with great patience and instruction” (II Tim 4:2). And they must be able to “make a defense” to all who request an “account for the hope” that is in them with “gentleness and reverence” (I Pet. 3:15).

 

 

 

 

Deacons are confessing members of the local church who have been

inducted into that office by ordination in accordance with the Word of God and the

order established or recognized by the Reformed Church in America.

The office of the deacon is one of servanthood and service representing

Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. In the local church deacons are chosen

members of spiritual commitment, exemplary life, compassionate spirit, and sound

judgment, who are set apart for a ministry of mercy, service, and outreach. They are

to receive the contributions of the congregation and to distribute them under the

direction of the consistory. The deacons give particular attention and care to the

whole benevolence program of the church. They have charge of all gifts contributed

for the benefit of the poor and distribute them with discretion. They visit and comfort

those in material need and perform such other duties as the consistory may assign

them.

 

The board of deacons shall consist of those deacons who are in active

service. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the congregation

and the evident gifts of those being called by God for the ministry of mercy, service,

and outreach.

 

The board of deacons shall serve those in distress and need. The deacons

shall minister to the sick, the poor, the hurt, and the helpless, shall aid the victims of

the world’s abuse, and shall express the social concerns of the church. They shall

oversee and carry out their work as those concerned with the redemption of

humankind. Their focus is turned toward service and ministry both to the world and

in the church.

 

The board of deacons shall keep minutes of its meetings when it meets at

stated times for the carrying out of its ministry. A majority of the deacons regularly

convened shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The meetings

shall begin and end with prayer. The board shall render an account in consistory of

its ministry, including its collection and distribution of the benevolence contributions

of the congregation.