October 2004
Yes, America, there is discipline in the Presbyterian Church.
Yes, there is enforced discipline in the Presbyterian Church,
but you may have to travel all the way to Malawi, Africa, to find
it. The Nkhoma Synod in general and the Lingadzi CCAP Church in
particular set up quarterly “disciplinary Sessions."
These quarterly sessions are their answer to the ancient question,
“How does a loving God restore lost men and women to Himself?”
Or, how do men and women remain holy and in the right relationship
with a caring God? Well, in ancient Israel an elaborate system
was established, as recorded in the book of Leviticus. The Church
of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP)–Nkhoma Synod has
a system that can be compared with the ancient system of Israel.
I am told that the CCAP System has at least two objectives: to
correct the believer’s behavior and to restore the believer
to the fellowship.
On Saturday, September 11, 2004, all elders and deacons (all
men) assembled at the church at 9::00 a.m. African time. (African
time is any time they wish to arrive.) After prayer and a brief
message from the pastor, the first order of business was the selection
of a session court magistrate. He presided, conducted the hearings,
solicited the verdicts, announced the verdicts, and gave the judgments.
Four classes of sinners came before us:
- Those who have been caught in the very act of sin by an elder—they
will be formally charged, judged, and sentenced at this session.
- Those who have previously repented, been judged, and served
their probation—they will be informed of their new status.
- Those who knew that they had sinned, broken some law of the
church, felt ex-communicated, and now wish to return to the
CCAP. For example, men and women who have lived together outside
of marriage, girls and boys who have had babies outside of marriage,
and those who have visited the witch doctor or joined a cult.
- Those who were classified as “weak Christians.”
A weak Christian is some one who does not pay his/her pledge
or who does not attend Sunday worship regularly.
After each session, the magistrate thanked the elders who brought
these cases to the court. He then instructed those found guilty
with the words, “The church elders will continue to look
after you. You are instructed to go and do not return to your
old ways and you will be advised when you can return to Holy Communion.
You must now pay your pledge (30Kwacha, which is 30 cents), participate
in instructions, and attend Sunday worship.”
Earline and I debated about the number of U.S. Presbyterians
who may not even know that there is a Book of Discipline in their
Book of Order? Often American Christians shy away from the word
“discipline” because it smacks at their so-called
freedom. But the church fathers knew that where there is no discipline
there are no dependable disciples. Remember that the same warning
Paul gave to the Galatians Christians he gives to us today, “do
not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature” (Gal.5:13b).
In the CCAP, when a Christian has been restored he or she receives
a pink card, along with everyone else who is in good standing.
This card admits them to Holy Communion. Elder Earline has received
only one (1) pink card since arriving in Malawi. Please pray for
her.
By the way, we now have transportation. Thank God, the Oconee
Church NEGA Presbytery gave us a special gift to buy the car and
to pay all the fees. We received a list of donors and we thank
you. You will hear from us soon.
God Bless You,
Otis A and Earline F. Smith |
