Outline for Form of Government

Posted here is the current draft outline for the revised Form of Government.

Please read this draft carefully and share your questions, comments, and insight with us.

I.  Particular Congregations and Their Membership

1.01   The Particular Congregation
1.02   The Organizing of the Particular Congregation
1.03   Membership of the Particular Congregation
1.04   Categories and Privileges of Membership
1.05   Meetings of the Congregation

II.  Officers and Ordination to Office

A.  Offices of Ministry

1. Definition (G-6.0100)

B. Gifts and Qualifications

C.  Ministers of the Word and Sacrament

1. Defined (G-6.0200)
2. Preparation for Ministry (G-14.0300 – abbreviated)
3. Ordination to Ministry (G-14.0400)
4. Call and Installation (G-14.0500)
5. Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships (G-14.0600)

D.  Elders and Deacons

1. Elders Defined (G-6.0300)
2. Deacons Defined (G-6.0400)
3. Electing Elders and Deacons (G-14.0201 - .0104)
4. Preparation for Office (G-14.0205)
5. Installation to Office (G-14.0207 - .0209)
6. Dissolution and Release from Office (G-14.0211)

E. Commissioned Church Workers (G-14.0700 – 14.0800)

III.  Governing Bodies

A.  General Principles of Governing Bodies (G-9.0000)

B.  Session (G-10.0000)

C.  Presbyteries (G-11.0000)

D.  Synods (G-12.0000)

E.  General Assembly (G-13.0000)

IV.  The Church and Civil Authority

A. Incorporation

B. Church Property

C. Confidence and Privilege

V.  Ecuminicity and Union

A.  Missional Commitment

B.  Relations with Other Denominations

C. Full Organic Union

D. Union and Federated Congregations

VI.  Amending the Constitution

A.  Amending The Book of Confessions (G-18.0200)

B.  Amending The Book of Order (G-18.0300)