Chapter 3. The Officers of the Church

Those eligible to be called as ruling elders must:

Be male communicant members in good standing of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Evidence the standards of character and conduct consistent with those set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; in Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-3.

Be knowledgeable of and committed to the subordinate doctrinal standards of the denomination as being consistent with the Scriptures.

The duties of ruling elders include:

Active pastoral care of the congregation.

Regular attendance and participation in session meetings.

Involvement in and oversight of the teaching ministry of the congregation.

Involvement in and oversight of the observance of the sacraments.

Training of the whole congregation to mature discipleship.

Ministry to the erring and lost.

Visitation to the sick and needy.

Dedication to the advancement of the whole church of Christ.

Regular participation in the higher courts of the church.

Meeting jointly with the board of deacons periodically for evaluation and growth in their respective ministries.

The privileges of ruling elders include:

Moderation of any court of the church.

Permanent membership on his session.

Voting membership in the higher courts.

When deemed by his session or presbytery to be qualified in the areas of personal godliness, theology, Biblical knowledge and church history he would be eligible for: a. Occasional ministry of the Word in the congregation at the request of the session or at the request of another court. b. Occasional ministry of the Word within the denomination where specifically requested by another court. c. Occasional pronouncing of God’s benediction upon His people.

A ruling elder may qualify for more regular occasional preaching of the Word and pronouncing the benediction at the appointment of his session or another court of the church by satisfying the presbytery of his readiness for this ministry by being examined in personal godliness, Bible Knowledge, systematic theology, and the preaching of an expository sermon. (See Eligibility to Preach, IIc2e).

Under extraordinary circumstances, to administer the sacraments when specifically appointed to do so on a given occasion by the presbytery.

Appointment, in special circumstances by presbytery, to serve as a provisional elder of another session.

Authorization An election of ruling elders may be authorized as follows: a. The initiative for an election of elders must include one or more of the following: (1) An appeal from the congregation to the session to increase the number of elders. (2) A judgment of the session that there are qualified men in the congregation and that an increase in the number of elders is needed. (3) A directive by presbytery for a session to hold an election under extraordinary circumstances. b. An election for elders is to be conducted by the session at a specially called meeting of the congregation.

Calling a Meeting The procedure to call a meeting will be: a. The session shall issue an edict setting the date, time and place for an election. b. Eight days’ notice of the meeting shall be given publicly to the congregation by reading of the edict at the worship services on the two preceding Lord’s Days. c. If the congregation has no public meeting, ten days’ notice by mail or phone to all members who can be reached shall be sufficient.

Order of Meeting The order of the meeting shall be as follows: a. The congregation having been called together for the election, the session shall be constituted by the moderator or presbytery’s appointee. b. The session shall have a complete list of all communicant members of the congregation in good standing from which a quorum is to be determined (one-half of the active communicant resident members). A quorum is necessary for each ballot. c. Inquiry by the moderator if the congregation still desires to proceed with the election. d. The final reading of the edict. e. Worship, with a sermon, shall be conducted under the direction of the session. f. The election shall be conducted. g. The court shall be adjourned with prayer.

Balloting The election shall be conducted as follows: a. The session may indicate their judgment as to the number of positions to be filled by the election. Such judgment shall be based on the needs of the congregation and the evidence of spiritual maturity of potential candidates. b. Session may submit a list of nominations. c. If the session has indicated its desire for a certain number of elders, its list of nominees shall not contain less than that number. d. Nominations may also be made by a communicant member of the congregation present. e. The election may also proceed without nominations. f. Even when nominations have been made, votes may be cast for any qualified candidate. g. Voting shall be by ballot with the session taking due precaution to ensure the integrity of the vote. h. When the number to be elected is determined, the number of names per ballot is not to exceed the announced number to be elected. i. Communicant members unable to attend the meeting may send their votes in writing (also known as absentee votes), enclosed in sealed envelopes which bear their names and are addressed to the session. Absentee votes are valid only on the first electing ballot. j. The use of a nominating ballot is not encouraged; if it is used, absentee votes are valid only on the first electing ballot. Absentee votes will not be used on a nominating ballot. k. Only those receiving at least two-thirds of the votes cast shall be declared elders-elect. Blank ballots shall not be counted in determining the total number of votes cast. A ballot marked “No,” indicating that the person desires not to vote for any candidate, should be counted in determining the total number of votes cast. l. If a two-thirds vote has not been reached after three ballots, the moderator, in consultation with the session, may postpone the election. m. Two tellers shall be appointed by the moderator to collect the ballots and tabulate the results of the election and report to the moderator.

Examination The examination of an elder-elect shall proceed as follows: a. The elder-elect shall notify the session, preferably within two weeks, regarding his intention to accept or decline the call of the congregation. b. If the elder-elect indicates his desire to accept the call, the session shall meet in constituted court to examine him with respect to his qualifications as stated above in section I.A. c. The elder-elect shall be examined in his soundness in the faith and commitment to the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. d. If the session shall judge any elder-elect unfit for the office, it shall not proceed with his ordination and/or installation. e. Ordination will not be required if: (1) An elder-elect holds ordination in the denomination as an elder. (2) An elder-elect is certified as having been ordained to an equivalent office in another true branch of the visible church and has met our denominational conditions to be a ruling elder. f. Public ordination and/or installation to the session will be required of all elders-elect who have declared their desire to serve and have been examined and approved by the session.

Authorization The session shall authorize the ordination and/or installation in the following manner: a. The session shall set the time, date and place for the ordination and installation of qualified elders-elect. (Any objections by the congregation shall be presented to the session in writing prior to the called meeting. Session shall act on the objection prior to the called meeting.) b. Notice of the date, time, location, and names of the elder(s)-elect shall be given by the installing session to all sessions within the presbytery.

Calling a Meeting To call a meeting for ordination and/or installation: a. An edict shall be prepared by the session. (Suggested Form 10) b. The edict shall be read eight days prior to the congregational meeting at the worship services on the two preceding Lord’s Days. c. If the congregation has no public meeting, ten days’ notice by mail or phone to all members who can be reached shall be sufficient.

Order of Meeting The order of the meeting shall be as follows: a. The session shall be constituted by the moderator or presbytery’s appointee, and the privileges of the floor shall be extended to all elders of the denomination present. b. A quorum of one-half of the active resident communicant membership shall be confirmed. c. The edict shall be read for the final time. d. Worship, with a sermon, shall be conducted under the direction of the session. e. An appointed elder shall narrate the previous steps leading up to the ordination and/or installation. f. An appointed elder shall ask the appropriate Queries for Ordination of the candidates and elicit an affirmative response. g. Candidates shall publicly sign the Queries for Ordination. h. In the case of ordination and installation the candidate shall kneel for prayer and all elders present shall be invited to join in the laying on of hands. i. In the case of installation only an installation prayer shall be offered. j. An elder shall offer the prayer of ordination and/or installation in the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ. k. The elders shall extend the right hand of fellowship receiving the newly installed elder(s). l. Special charges to the newly installed elder(s) and to the congregation should be given at the discretion of the session. m. The session shall adjourn and close the meeting with prayer and the benediction. n. Opportunity shall be given to the congregation and friends to greet the newly installed elder(s).

Cessation of Service on a Session A ruling elder’s service may cease under the following circumstances: a. An elder may request the session to accept his resignation from sessional responsibilities within the congregation. Conferring the title of ‘emeritus’ in cases of long, faithful service should be considered. b. An elder whose resignation has been accepted must be re-elected in order to serve again in that office. c. An elder no longer serving regularly on the session to which he was installed for reasons of distance, health, or other justifiable reasons may be relieved of his duties; his session shall move with care to relieve him of the official exercise of his office and declare his status to be inactive (i.e. non-voting). In cases of suspension, see Book of Discipline. d. An elder or his session may arrange for a sabbatical leave of absence, normally up to one year, during which time he shall be on inactive status. e. A congregation may arrange for rotation of elders, subject to the approval of its session and presbytery. f. An elder granted an inactive status may be reinstated to active service at the discretion of the session. g. An elder ceases to serve on a session when he has moved his communicant membership into the jurisdiction of another session.

Removal from Office A ruling elder may be removed from office. The following principles shall apply to this procedure: a. An elder can be divested of his ordination only by deposition at the hands of his session or presbytery. b. The session shall notify the presbytery whenever it intends to initiate deposition procedures by forwarding a copy of the charges. c. In extraordinary cases the presbytery may also originate jurisdiction if it concludes that a particular session has been unable to exercise proper discipline over the elder in question. d. No elder shall be suspended or deposed except after a fair trial. e. Procedure for judicial process is set forth in the Book of Discipline.

Cessation of Ordination The continuing privileges and responsibilities of ordination would cease if: a. An elder is deposed from his ordination by judicial action of a church court. b. An elder’s request that his ordination be terminated is granted by a church court after careful consideration.

The official proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments in the congregation shall be entrusted in ordinary circumstances to the one who has been trained to exercise his teaching gifts. Those displaying the gift for the teaching ministry shall be encouraged to undertake sufficient academic preparation and present themselves for public examination by presbytery in order to devote themselves to live in obedience to Christ and His Word in full-time ministerial service with all the privileges and duties this involves.

The elder who publicly teaches exercises a broader responsibility but has no higher authority than any other elder. While all the elders have pastoral responsibilities, common practice warrants the use of the title “pastor” for those who are called as teaching elders of congregations. Congregations whose size and/or work require additional teaching elders (associate pastors) will follow the same procedure.

In the case of the departure of a pastor from a congregation having more than one pastor, there is no requirement for an existing associate pastor to receive a new call in order for his role to be changed. Presbytery has already established him as a teaching elder in the congregation. For the sake of clarity and peace, a two-thirds majority vote of the congregation is required for any existing pastor of the congregation to assume the role of the departing pastor. There is then no need to declare the pulpit vacant. It is prudent that the Session carefully lead a congregation in these matters for unity’s sake.

All teaching elders serving whose active duty is in the Armed Forces of the United States Chaplain Corps and who have been approved by presbytery shall be considered as missionaries (Suggested Form 8) employed by their presbyteries and on loan to the Armed Forces of the United States, and their presbyteries shall have oversight and require reports of their activities. (See 1985 Minutes of Synod, page 91).

Along with those qualifications specified in Section I.A., those eligible to be called as teaching elders must display the Spirit’s call and gifts to study diligently and proclaim publicly the Word of God (1 Timothy 5:17).

Along with duties specified in Section I.B., the duties of a teaching elder include:

Proclaiming God’s Word in worship.

Administering the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Conducting wedding and funeral services.

Retired teaching elders are most welcome, but are not required, to participate regularly in the church's higher courts; their absence does not require a formal excuse request.

Initial Steps To become a teaching elder the following steps must be taken: a. He must present himself to his session as one desiring to prepare himself to become a teaching elder. b. If the session supports his intentions they shall request presbytery to take him under care. c. In ordinary cases he shall complete a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent before undertaking specific theological education. d. Upon completion of his collegiate degree or its equivalent and his reception by presbytery as a student of theology, he shall be expected to complete the course of seminary instruction required by his presbytery leading to a Master of Divinity or its equivalent. e. Under ordinary circumstances he shall be expected to attend at least one full year in a Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. f. At the end of his first year he shall give evidence to his presbytery that he will continue training to become a teaching elder. (A sermon may be requested of him by his presbytery at this point.) g. After favorable evaluation of the evidence presented by the student under care and reception of a favorable report from the seminary, he shall be certified by presbytery to further his seminary training. h. The student may be invited to preach only under the direct supervision of a session until he is certified as being eligible to preach. i. A man, who is not a student but has completed a Master of Divinity or its equivalent, shall follow steps a and b above to become a candidate under care of presbytery. j. The candidate may be invited to preach only under the direct supervision of a session until he is certified as being eligible to preach. k. Licensure by presbytery shall consist of two steps: Eligibility to Preach and Eligibility for a Call.

Eligibility to Preach (First Step for Licensure) To become eligible to preach, a candidate shall follow this procedure: a. If a student, he shall become eligible for certification to preach any time after his first year. b. If a student, he shall request the seminary to forward to his presbytery an evaluation of his qualifications for ministry and statement of his academic standing. c. The candidate shall be examined by his presbytery in constituted court in the following areas: (1) Personal godliness (2) Bible Knowledge (3) Systematic Theology and Distinctive Principles (4) The preaching of an expository sermon (5) The presentation of a paper on church history (Presbytery is responsible to make these assignments which may correspond to assignments fulfilled in seminary.) d. Following each area of examination, delegates may make comments and/or state reasons when appropriate for the way he will vote. Comments are to be considered individual reflections or judgments, not the settled conclusions of the court. A roll call vote should be taken. e. If the discourse and examinations are sustained by a two-thirds vote, an appointed elder shall ask the appropriate Queries for Certification to Preach. f. Presbytery should vote by roll call when deemed appropriate whether to certify him a Candidate to Preach. g. If the candidate is approved by a two-thirds vote he shall sign the appropriate Queries for Certification. h. An appointed elder shall offer prayer officially certifying the candidate in the name of Christ, the King and Head of the Church. i. An appointed elder shall address the candidate with words of counsel as to his duties and the limitations which are as follows: (1) He may not administer the sacraments. (2) He may not perform marriages. (3) He may not pronounce the benediction. j. Presbytery shall adjourn the meeting with prayer and benediction. k. The candidate shall be given a Certificate of Eligibility to Preach. (Suggested Form 11) l. He remains under the care of his presbytery and the jurisdiction of his session. m. Certification ordinarily shall be for a term of five years and may be renewed at the discretion of presbytery.

Eligibility for a Call (Final Step for Licensure) To become eligible for a call, a candidate shall follow this procedure: a. If a student, he shall be eligible for certification to receive a call at the end of his second year. b. If a student, he shall request of the seminary to forward to his presbytery an evaluation of his qualifications for ministry and a statement of his academic standing. c. The candidate shall be examined by his presbytery in constituted session in the following areas: (1) Evidence of pastoral and evangelistic gifts (2) Systematic Theology and Distinctive Principles (3) Church History (4) The preaching of an expository sermon on an assigned topic (5) The presentation of an exegesis paper (Presbytery is responsible to make these assignments which may correspond to assignments fulfilled in seminary.) d. Following each area of examination, delegates may make comments and/or state reasons when appropriate for the way he will vote. Comments are to be considered individual reflections or judgments, not the settled conclusions of the court. A roll call vote should be taken. e. If the discourse and examinations are sustained by a two-thirds vote, an appointed elder shall ask the appropriate Queries for Certification to Receive a Call. f. Presbytery should vote by roll call when deemed appropriate whether to certify him a Candidate to Receive a Call. This certification must be made by a two-thirds vote. g. If the candidate is approved by a two-thirds vote he shall sign the appropriate queries. h. An appointed elder shall offer prayer officially certifying the candidate as being eligible for a call in the name of Christ, the King and Head of the Church. i. An appointed elder shall address the candidate with words of counsel as to his duties and the limitations which are as follows: (1) He may not administer the sacraments. (2) He may not perform marriages. (3) He may not pronounce the benediction. j. Presbytery shall adjourn the meeting with prayer and benediction. k. The candidate shall be given a Certificate of Licensure. (Suggested Form 12) l. He remains under the care of his presbytery and the jurisdiction of his session. m. Certification ordinarily shall be for a term of five years and may be renewed at the discretion of presbytery.

Authorization The election of a teaching elder may be authorized as follows: a. The initiative for an election of a teaching elder must include one or more of the following: (1) An appeal from the congregation through the session to hold an election or an appeal directly from the session to presbytery. (2) A directive by presbytery for a session to hold an election under extraordinary circumstances. b. An election for a teaching elder is to be conducted by the session at a specially called meeting of the congregation.

Calling a Meeting The procedure to call a meeting will be: a. The session shall issue an edict setting the date, time and place for an election. b. Eight days’ notice of the meeting shall be given publicly to the congregation, including announcement at the worship services on the two preceding Lord’s Days. c. If the congregation has no public meetings, ten days’ notice by mail or phone to all members who can be reached shall be sufficient.

Order of Meeting The order of the meeting shall be as follows: a. The session shall have a complete list of all communicant members of the congregation in good standing from which a quorum is to be determined (one-half of the active resident members). A quorum is necessary for each ballot. b. The final reading of the edict. c. Worship, with a suitable discourse, shall be conducted under the direction of the session. d. The session shall be constituted by the moderator or presbytery’s appointee. e. An election shall be conducted. f. The court shall be adjourned with prayer.

Balloting The election shall be conducted as follows: a. Candidates shall ordinarily consist of teaching elders in good standing in the Reformed Presbyterian Church and those certified as eligible for a call (Licentiates) in the denomination. b. Teaching elders who are members in good standing in denominations with whom we have fraternal relations who have expressed commitment to the position of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and who have been examined by a presbytery in the denomination may be candidates for a call. c. Any ruling elder in good standing in the denomination may be considered a candidate when he demonstrates to his presbytery the educational background and experience necessary to be a teaching elder. (See IIC2c and 3c.) d. Nominations may be offered by the session and/or a communicant member of the congregation present. e. The election may also proceed without nominations. f. Even when nominations have been made, votes may be cast for any qualified candidate. g. Voting shall be by ballot with the session taking due precaution to ensure the integrity of the vote. h. Members unable to attend the meeting may send their votes in writing (also known as absentee votes), enclosed in sealed envelopes which bear their names and are addressed to the session. Absentee votes are valid only on the first electing ballot. i. The use of a nominating ballot is not encouraged; if it is used, absentee votes are valid only on the first electing ballot. Absentee votes will not be used on a nominating ballot. j. Only a candidate receiving at least two-thirds of the votes cast shall be elected. Blank ballots shall not be counted in determining the total number of votes cast. A ballot marked “No,” indicating that the person desires not to vote for any candidate, should be counted in determining the total number of votes cast. k. If a two-thirds majority vote has not been reached after three ballots, the moderator, in consultation with the session, may postpone the election. l. Two tellers shall be appointed by the moderator to collect the ballots and tabulate the results of the election and report to the moderator. m. The moderator shall declare the results of the election. n. An appointed elder shall present the terms of the call (which shall include the financial agreement presented by the board of deacons—see Suggested Form 7) for the approval of the congregation. (The session and deacon board shall have previously prepared the terms of the call.) o. Opportunity shall be given the communicant members and adherents of the congregation to sign the call. The moderator shall explain that signing the call indicates one’s willingness to support and work with the teaching elder-elect whether the member voted for him or not.

Disposition of a Call The call shall be handled in the following manner: a. The moderator shall immediately notify the teaching elder-elect informing him concerning the vote tallies and all other pertinent information that may assist him in reaching a decision. b. The call shall remain in the hands of the session for a period of time up to and including two Lord’s Days so that other communicant members and adherents may sign the call. c. Any communicant member or adherent may request the clerk of the session to add his name to the call, in which case the clerk shall append his own initials to the signature. d. A copy of the call shall be sent to the teaching elder-elect. e. The call shall be forwarded to the presbytery along with a communicant membership roll and the minutes of the meeting.

Processing a Call A call shall be processed in the following manner: a. Presbytery, after receiving a call, shall determine whether the call was made in accordance with the law and order of the church. b. Presbytery shall sustain it as a regular call and forward it to the teaching elder-elect within the presbytery or the presbytery holding the credentials of the teaching elder-elect. (Suggested Form 14) c. Presbytery may decline to forward the call for any of the following reasons: (1) The refusal of a considerable minority to sign the call. (2) Failure to make suitable financial arrangements. (3) A conviction on the presbytery’s part that establishing the relationship would not be wise. d. If presbytery does not sustain a call, reasons shall be recorded in the minutes, the candidate shall be notified, the call returned to the congregation and a copy of the minutes stating the reason(s) shall go to both the candidate and the congregation. e. If a call is addressed to a teaching elder of a congregation within the presbytery, the interest of that congregation shall be considered carefully. f. A presbytery which is in session may present a call immediately to a teaching elder whose credentials are held by the presbytery or to a student under its care, if the person is present. g. The teaching elder-elect may either accept or decline the call or ask for more time to consider it. h. If the call is rejected, the teaching elder-elect shall notify the congregation and the presbytery in writing. i. If the call is accepted, presbytery shall take steps toward ordination and/or installation. j. If the teaching elder-elect is not present, presbytery shall forward the call to him. k. Upon reception of the call from his presbytery, the teaching elder-elect shall inform the congregation and the presbytery of his decision within two weeks. l. A call may not be presented by a presbytery other than the one having oversight of the one called. m. When the person called is from a congregation within another presbytery, the presbytery of the congregation making the call, having approved it, shall forward it to the other presbytery for evaluation and presentation. n. If the call is accepted the credentials of the person called shall be transferred to the presbytery of the congregation making the call. (Suggested Form 15) o. That presbytery shall take necessary steps toward ordination and/or installation.

The examination, ordination and installation of a teaching elder belongs to the presbytery alone. Presbytery shall hold the credentials which shall include as complete a record as possible of his education, certification to preach, eligibility to receive a call, ordination and installation(s) (Suggested Form 16). Ordination should be with a view to, and in connection with, installation into a pastoral relationship. A board may request permission from Synod for the presbytery to ordain a man to minister in a special field. (Suggested Forms 8 and 9)

Authorization Presbytery shall authorize the ordination and/or installation as follows: a. Presbytery, or a commission of presbytery, shall arrange for the examination, ordination and/or installation of a teaching elder-elect at the earliest convenience of the parties involved. (Any objections by concerned parties shall be presented in writing to the Ad Interim Commission prior to the called meeting. If objections are raised, the Commission shall deal with them before proceeding.) b. The commission or presbytery, in consultation with the session, shall set the time, date and place for the examination, ordination and/or installation. (Suggested Form 13)

Calling of Meetings a. The commission or presbytery shall issue an edict and direct that it be read to the congregation on the two preceding Lord’s Days. b. If the congregation has no public meeting, ten days’ notice by mail or phone to all members who can be reached shall be sufficient. c. The date of ordination and/or installation is subject to the sustaining of his examination by presbytery.

Meeting for Examination The examination of a teaching elder-elect entering his first pastorate within the Reformed Presbyterian Church shall proceed as follows: a. At the appointed time, presbytery shall be constituted with prayer by an elder. b. The candidate shall be examined in the following: (1) A sermon preached on an assigned portion of Scripture (2) Personal godliness (3) Soundness in the faith and commitment to the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church c. Following each area of examination, a vote to sustain or not sustain will be taken. Each member of the court may state his reasons for his vote or make appropriate comments. Such comments are to be considered individual reflections or judgements, not the settled conclusions of the court. A roll call should be taken by Presbytery. If the examination is sustained by a two-thirds vote, presbytery may then adjourn to meet at a later time for the ordination and installation service or may elect to proceed immediately.

Meeting for Ordination/Installation The order of this meeting shall be as follows: a. If presbytery adjourned following the examination meeting, the service of ordination and installation should begin with the constitution of the court. b. The steps taken up to this point shall be narrated. c. The edict shall be read for the last time. d. Recognizing that the examination of the candidate has already been sustained, the congregation shall be asked to indicate their adherence to the call by a rising vote. e. The candidate shall be asked to indicate his adherence to his acceptance of the call. f. The candidate shall come forward and answer the prescribed Queries for Ordination. g. Having given his assent to the queries, he shall sign them. h. A sermon shall be preached by an appointed elder. i. The candidate to be ordained shall kneel and the members of presbytery shall lay their hands upon his head as the formal words of ordination are uttered in prayer. In case of installation, only a prayer of installation shall be offered. j. A suggested formula of ordination for use in prayer is as follows: “...bless your servant (naming him) as we do now set him apart as a minister of the Gospel in the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ, the King and Head of the Church, and install him as teaching elder of (name) congregation....” k. The clerk of presbytery is now responsible to hold his credentials. l. His membership is transferred to the congregation where he is installed. m. Special charges to the newly installed teaching elder and congregation may be given at the discretion of the presbytery. n. Presbytery shall be adjourned with prayer, and the new teaching elder shall pronounce the benediction. o. Members of presbytery and others present shall be given opportunity to extend the right hand of fellowship to the newly installed pastor and his family. p. The installation of a previously ordained elder is the same as outlined above except the particular steps which refer only to ordination. q. A teaching elder ordained in another true branch of the visible church may be received into the Reformed Presbyterian Church when he has met our denomination’s conditions for a teaching elder. He shall be examined by the presbytery or a commission. A member of the presbytery shall lead in prayer on his behalf, and he shall sign the Queries for Ordination. Members of the presbytery shall be given the opportunity to extend the right hand of fellowship.

Cessation of Service A teaching elder’s service may cease under the following circumstances: a. A teaching elder may request the presbytery to release him from his relationship with the congregation. b. Any teaching elder desiring to resign shall give notice of his intention to the congregation at least two weeks before offering his resignation to the presbytery. If the congregation objects to this action, their objections should be considered by presbytery. c. Presbytery shall set the date upon which the pastoral relationship shall be dissolved and shall with prayer effect the dissolution. d. Presbytery shall inform the clerk of session by letter (Suggested Form 17) that the pastoral relationship has been dissolved, conveying presbytery’s authorization and counsel regarding the replacement of the departing teaching elder. This letter shall be read to the congregation. If the dissolution leaves the congregation without an installed teaching elder, the letter shall also declare the pulpit vacant and include presbytery’s authorization and counsel regarding pulpit supply, administration of sacraments and moderating a call. e. If the resignation of the teaching elder leaves the session with only one congregationally elected member, presbytery, to maintain the organization of the congregation, shall appoint at least one provisional elder. f. When because of special circumstances such as health, age, et cetera, a teaching elder is no longer able to exercise regularly his pastoral duties, his presbytery may with care relieve him of the official duties of his office and declare his status to be inactive. g. A retired teaching elder maintains the privileges of his office. If presbytery decides that a teaching elder’s situation and/or vocation are inconsistent with the calling of a minister of the Gospel, the presbytery may, after a period of five consecutive years, declare his status to be inactive. h. A teaching elder who has moved into the jurisdiction of another presbytery shall have his credentials transferred to that presbytery and his communicant membership changed to the local congregation. i. A teaching elder desiring affiliation with another denomination may upon application be given credentials by his presbytery and a letter of standing by his session. If there are charges pending, they shall be included. j. A teaching elder who leaves the denomination without a regular dismissal is not considered to be in regular standing. It is the responsibility of the presbytery to notify the receiving body of this fact and to seek to clear any possible conflict between the two bodies. k. A congregation desiring a change in the pastoral relationship may make official request to the session through: (1) A committee authorized by the congregation. (2) A petition signed by a majority of the congregation’s members. l. If the session refuses the above request, the congregation may petition presbytery directly.

Removal from Office A teaching elder may be removed from office. The following principles apply to this procedure: a. A teaching elder can be divested of his ordination by deposition at the hands of the presbytery. b. A session may petition the presbytery to dissolve the relationship between a particular teaching elder and the congregation; yet the presbytery holds original jurisdiction regarding the deposition of a teaching elder from his ordination. c. In extraordinary cases the presbytery may also initiate jurisdiction if it concludes that a particular session has been unable to exercise proper discipline over the teaching elder in question. d. Procedure for judicial process is set forth in the Book of Discipline. e. Presbytery shall set the date upon which the pastoral relationship shall be dissolved and shall with prayer effect the dissolution. f. Presbytery shall inform the clerk of session by letter (Suggested Form 17) that the pastoral relationship has been dissolved, conveying presbytery’s authorization and counsel regarding the replacement of the departing teaching elder. This letter shall be read to the congregation. If the dissolution leaves the congregation without an installed teaching elder, the letter shall also declare the pulpit vacant and include presbytery’s authorization and counsel regarding pulpit supply, administration of sacraments and moderating a call. g. If the removal of the teaching elder leaves the session with only one congregationally elected member, presbytery, to maintain the organization of the congregation, shall appoint at least one provisional elder. h. If a teaching elder undergoing judicial process leaves the denomination, ordinarily charges against him should be tried. i. A teaching elder forfeits his ordination by renouncing his faith, or may do so by conduct unbecoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Such actions warrant judicial process.)

Cessation of Ordination The continuing privileges and responsibilities of ordination would cease if: a. A teaching elder is deposed from his ordination by judicial action of a church court. b. A teaching elder’s request that his ordination be terminated is granted by a church court after careful consideration.

The Diaconate is a spiritual office responsible for the ministry of mercy and stewardship of the congregation. It is neither a ruling nor a teaching office. Its exercise, like the whole life of the church, is under the oversight of the session and its function is administrative.

Those eligible to be called as deacons must:

Be communicant members in good standing of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Evidence the standards of character and conduct consistent with those set forth in Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and 1 Corinthians 12:28.

Be knowledgeable in and committed to the subordinate doctrinal standards of the denomination as being consistent with Scriptures.

The duties of deacons include:

Regular attendance and participation in the meetings of the deacon board.

Meeting jointly with the session periodically for prayer, evaluation and growth in their respective ministries.

Maintaining an active ministry of mercy, such as: a. Leading the congregation in discerning and ministering to needs such as: (1) local needs of individuals and institutions, (2) national and international needs. b. Gathering and distribution of funds. c. Training the congregation in the use of the members’ gifts in the ministry of mercy. d. Helping the congregation evaluate requests for funds by organizations outside the denomination.

Maintaining an active ministry of stewardship, such as: a. Overseeing the work of the treasurer. b. Appointing a finance committee as needed. c. Keeping the congregation informed at least quarterly of financial needs. d. Securing an annual audit of all the congregation’s accounts. e. Preparing an annual budget in conjunction with the session. f. Offering family budget counseling. g. Teaching principles of giving. h. Overseeing the maintenance of property.

Developing these ministries by personal visitation.

Performing other duties assigned to them by the session, congregation or presbytery.

The board of deacons has no legislative or judicial powers; its work is wholly administrative, subject to the direction of the session and sensitive to the counsel of the congregation.

The regular privileges of deacons include:

Serving as permanent members of the board of deacons to which they are elected.

Serving as consultative members in higher courts of the church when appointed.

Authorization An election of deacons may be authorized as follows: a. The initiative for an election of deacons must include one or more of the following: (1) A request from the deacon board that an increase of its membership is needed. (2) A judgment of the session that there are qualified persons in the congregation, and an increase in the number of deacons is necessary. (3) An appeal from the congregation to the session to increase the number of deacons. b. An election of deacons is to be conducted by the session at a specially called meeting of the congregation.

Calling a Meeting The procedure to call a meeting will be: a. The session shall issue an edict setting the date, time and place for an election. b. Eight days’ notice of the meeting shall be given publicly to the congregation by reading of the edict at the worship services on the two preceding Lord’s Days. c. If the congregation has no public meeting, ten days’ notice by mail or phone to all members who can be reached shall be sufficient.

Order of Meeting a. The congregation having been called together for the election, the session shall be constituted by the moderator or presbytery’s appointee. b. The session shall have a complete list of all communicant members of the congregation in good standing from which a quorum is to be determined (one-half of the active communicant resident members). A quorum is necessary for each ballot. c. Inquiry by the moderator if the congregation still desires to proceed with the election. d. The final reading of the edict. e. Worship, with a sermon, shall be conducted under the direction of the session. f. The election shall be conducted. g. The court shall be adjourned with prayer.

Balloting The election shall be conducted as follows: a. The session may indicate their judgment as to the number of positions to be filled by the election. Such a judgment shall be based on the needs of the congregation and the evidence of spiritual maturity of potential candidates. b. Session may submit a list of nominations. c. If the session has indicated its desire for a certain number of deacons, its list of nominees shall not contain less than that number. d. Nominations may also be made by a communicant member of the congregation present. e. The election may also proceed without nominations. f. Even when nominations have been made, votes may be cast for any qualified candidate. g. Voting shall be by ballot, with the session taking due precaution to ensure the integrity of the vote. h. When the number to be elected is determined, the number of names per ballot is not to exceed the announced number to be elected. i. Communicant members unable to attend the meeting may send their votes in writing (also known as absentee votes), enclosed in sealed envelopes which bear their names and are addressed to the session. Absentee votes are valid only on the first electing ballot. j. The use of a nominating ballot is not encouraged; if it is used, absentee votes are valid only on the first electing ballot. Absentee votes will not be used on a nominating ballot. k. Only those receiving at least two-thirds of the votes cast shall be declared deacons-elect. Blank ballots shall not be counted in determining the total number of votes cast. A ballot marked “No,” indicating that the person desires not to vote for any candidate, should be counted in determining the total number of votes cast. l. If a two-thirds vote has not been reached after three ballots, the moderator, in consultation with the session, may postpone the election. m. Two tellers shall be appointed by the moderator to collect the ballots and tabulate the results of the election and report to the moderator.

Examination The examination of a deacon-elect shall proceed as follows: a. The deacon-elect shall notify the session, preferably within two weeks, regarding his intention to accept or decline the call of the congregation. b. If the deacon-elect indicates his desire to accept the call, the session shall meet in constituted court to examine him with respect to his qualifications as stated above in Section I.A. c. The session shall examine him in his soundness in the faith and in his commitment to the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. d. If the session shall judge any deacon-elect unfit for the office, it shall not proceed with his ordination and/or installation. e. Ordination will not be required if: (1) A deacon-elect holds ordination in the denomination as a deacon. (2) A deacon-elect is certified as having been ordained to an equivalent office in another true branch of the visible church and has met our denominational conditions to be a deacon. f. Public ordination and/or installation to the board of deacons will be required of all deacons-elect who have declared their desire to serve and have been examined and approved by the session.

Authorization The session shall authorize the ordination and/or installation in the following manner: a. The session shall set the time, date and place for the ordination and installation of qualified deacons-elect. (Any objections by the congregation shall be presented to the session in writing prior to the called meeting. Session shall act on the objection prior to the called meeting.) b. Notice of the date, time, location, and names of the deacon(s)-elect shall be given by the installing session to all sessions within the presbytery.

Calling a Meeting To call a meeting for ordination and/or installation: a. An edict shall be prepared by the session. (Suggested Form 10) b. The edict shall be read eight days prior to the congregational meeting at the worship services on the two preceding Lord’s Days. c. If the congregation has no public meeting, ten days’ notice by mail or phone to all members who can be reached shall be sufficient.

Order of Meeting The order of the meeting shall be as follows: a. The session shall be constituted by the moderator or presbytery’s appointee, and the privileges of the floor shall be extended to all elders of the denomination present. b. A quorum of one-half of the active resident communicant membership shall be confirmed. c. The edict shall be read for the final time. d. Worship, with a sermon, shall be conducted under the direction of the session. e. An appointed elder shall narrate the previous steps leading up to the ordination and/or installation. f. An appointed elder shall ask the appropriate Queries for Ordination of the candidates and elicit an affirmative response. g. Candidates shall publicly sign the Queries for Ordination. h. In the case of ordination and installation the candidate shall kneel for prayer and all elders present shall be invited to join in the laying on of hands. i. In the case of installation only an installation prayer shall be offered. j. An elder shall offer the prayer of ordination and/or installation in the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ. k. The elders shall extend the right hand of fellowship receiving the newly installed deacon(s). l. Special charges to the newly installed deacon(s) and to the congregation may be given at the discretion of the session. m. The session shall adjourn and close the meeting with prayer and the benediction. n. Opportunity shall be given to the congregation and friends to greet the newly installed deacon(s).

Cessation of Service on a Board of Deacons A deacon’s service may cease under the following circumstances: a. A deacon may request the session to accept his resignation from the board of deacons. b. A deacon whose resignation has been accepted must be re-elected in order to serve again in that office. c. A deacon is no longer able to serve regularly on the board of deacons to which he was installed for reasons of distance, health, or other justifiable reasons; his session shall move with care to relieve him of the official exercise of his office and declare his status to be inactive (i.e. non-voting). In cases of suspension, see Book of Discipline. d. A deacon or his session may arrange for a sabbatical leave of normally up to one year, during which time he shall be on inactive status. e. A congregation may arrange for rotation of deacons, subject to the approval of session and presbytery. f. A deacon granted an inactive status may be reinstated to active service at the discretion of the session. g. A deacon ceases to serve on the board of deacons when he has moved his communicant membership to another congregation. h. A congregation may petition a session to depose a particular deacon, but the session holds original jurisdiction regarding deposition of a deacon from his ordination.

Removal from Office A deacon may be removed from office. The following principles shall apply to this procedure: a. A deacon can be divested of his ordination only by deposition at the hands of his session or presbytery. b. The session shall notify the presbytery whenever it intends to initiate deposition procedures by forwarding a copy of the charges. c. In extraordinary cases the session may appeal to presbytery to assume jurisdiction in adjudicating a proposed deposition. d. In extraordinary cases the presbytery may also originate jurisdiction if it concludes that a particular session has been unable to exercise proper discipline over the deacon in question. e. No deacon shall be suspended or deposed except after a fair trial. f. Procedure for judicial process is set forth in the Book of Discipline.

Cessation of Ordination The continuing privileges and responsibilities of ordination would cease if: a. A deacon is deposed from his ordination by judicial action of a church court. b. A deacon’s request that his ordination be terminated is granted by a church court after careful consideration.