Before you read this section of the Book of Order think about the heritage of the United States and its constitution. Reflect also on your understanding of Presbyterian order.

What are some of the principles upon which the United States was formed? What do you most appreciate about the form of government in the United States? Write down your answers.

What would you say is the Presbyterian “concept”? Describe it. What is our system of government?

Initially, what do you think the Presbyterian system of government has in common with the foundational principles of the United States?

Column Two
In the boxes of the second column, in your own words describe the importance or value of each principle of church order. If it helps you find the words, imagine that you are describing this principle to someone else, perhaps a member of the confirmation class, a new member, or a friend outside the church community.

Column Three
Take time to apply the historic principles of church order to your context as an elder or deacon. Think about situations and instances in which you have experienced the importance of each of the historic principles. In the boxes of the third column, write examples in which each historic principle applied to your service as a church leader. Grounding your experience in the historic principles of church order will add meaning to your leadership and give life to these valuable Presbyterian principles.

If your session or board of deacons provides time for sharing as a group or in pairs, discuss with one another the descriptions and examples you came up with for each of the eight historic principles of church order.

Now that you are well versed in the historic principles of our Presbyterian church order, how would you respond to someone who asked, “What’s so great about being Presbyterian?”

Here are some questions on which to reflect further:

• How does the conscience determine what is contrary to the Word?
• What is the relationship between evangelism and the “universal and unalienable” rights of private judgment in religious matters?
• In determining the qualifications of ministers and members, how do we ensure that these terms are not “either too lax or too narrow”? (G-1.0302)
• How do officers act in the name of the whole Church? What tools can officers use to ensure that they carry out their responsibilities faithfully?
• If truth promotes holiness, what does holiness look like? How do we recognize truth?
• If faithful people, each informed by prayer and careful study of God’s Word, are led to differing truths on matters of faith, how will they “exercise mutual forbearance toward each other”? (G-1.0305)
• Why is it important that election of leaders who exercise authority “in a particular society” (G-1.0306) be done from within that society?
• What does the principle of Church power (G-1.0307) say about law making? In what instances should church laws be written, rewritten, or unwritten?
• What does it mean that Church power is “only ministerial and declarative”? (G-1.0307)
• Ecclesiastical discipline derives its “force” from “its own justice, the approbation of an impartial public, and the countenance and blessing” (Book of Order, G-1.0308) of God in Jesus Christ. What does that say about the force and implementation of the Church’s discipline?

The Heidelberg Catechism examines three aspects of the Christian life:

Our sin and guilt
Jesus Christ as the source of our freedom from sin and guilt
Our thankful response to God

The Catechism, written in 1562 in Heidelberg, Germany, to reconcile Lutherans and Reformed Christians, is a series of 129 questions with answers.

Q. 1. The catechism begins with an assurance that we belong fully to God in life and in death. What does it mean to you to belong completely to God? How is that a comfort?

Q. 2. The Catechism also lists three things that we need to know to live fully as Christians: our sin, our redemption in Christ, and the gratitude with which we respond to God. This is a fairly straightforward synopsis of the Christian life. What do you think about these three? How are they related? Are sin, redemption, and gratitude equally important in the Christian life? Do you, others, Presbyterians, or other denominations give greater emphasis to one over the others?

Rom. 7:24–25

This passage forms the basis for the Heidelberg Catechism, as follows:

Sin Questions 3–11
Redemption Questions 12–85
Gratitude Questions 86–129

Select a sample of questions from each of the three sections in the catechism to read. Read enough to gain an understanding of the catechism’s organization, main points, and conclusions. Jot down your notes as you read.

Use the following questions to guide your reflection. If possible, discuss these and your own questions with another elder or deacon.

• What points are made in the catechism that affirm what you already know about sin, redemption, and gratitude?
• Are there theological insights and understandings since the eighteenth century that challenge some of the conclusions of the catechism?
• What have you learned from this reading of the Heidelberg Catechism? How will what you have learned affect your leadership?

The following items were featured in this article and can be ordered from Presbyterian Distribution Service or by calling (800) 524-2612:

• The Book of Order and the Book of Confessions are available in English, Spanish, and Korean and in a variety of formats including study, electronic, large print, and Braille.
• The Great Ends of the Church: A Short-Term Study Course for Adults [revised], PDS# 095814, $7.95.

Watch for continuing study ideas for elders and deacons in each issue of Ideas! magazine. The author, Carl E. Horton, is Coordinator for Church Leader Support. He can be reached at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5453, or send him an e-mail.