Introduction
Throughout my career as a police officer, I have testified in criminal courts during trials for murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, carjacking, felony assault, human trafficking, and weapon and drug crimes. I have contended in the criminal courts for the cause of justice, but today I call you to contend in the courts of the church for the cause of Christ.
The time of seminary and the trials of licensing and ordination are intense and filled with seemingly endless reading, studying, writing, and examination. However, there is one area which seems to be frequently ignored in the preparation of men for the ministry: the art of contending in the courts of the church.
Parliamentary procedure often seems quite the nerdy escapade to most, but it truly is vital work in prosecuting the business of the church. If you have not yet ventured into debates within the church courts, then this is the time to add this vital arrow to your ministerial quiver.
For The Love Of The Church
The 19th Century Irish Presbyterian minister Thomas Witherow wrote about the apostolic and Biblical example of Presbyterian polity in the assembly of elders at the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15. The elders in the early church not only preached and taught the Scriptures, exhorted the believers, and corrected the sinners, but they also contended for the peace and purity of the church. This is modeled in Acts 15 and in Paul’s corrective epistle to the Galatian church. Preaching, teaching, prayer, administering the sacraments, and discipleship are all necessary ministry labors. But elders must still make decisions when it comes to the peace and purity of the church. The elders of the early church both ministered and ruled in the church.
The PCA’s Book of Church Order 8-1 says one of the responsibilities of the elder is “to govern well, in the house and Kingdom of Christ.” Elders in the Presbyterian Church in America, both Teaching and Ruling, have the calling and responsibility to rule and govern the church. This work of governing is carried out in the courts of the church: the Session, the Presbytery, and the General Assembly.
Practical Measures
For Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders, the call is clear: Do not neglect Presbytery meetings. Attend Presbytery and stay focused on the discussion at hand. If you have never been involved in floor debates, pay attention to the parliamentary procedure and learn how it works. Presbytery and General Assembly are often different animals than your average Session meeting.
Purchase a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order, read it, and follow along during Presbytery meetings. Talk about it with other Teaching and Ruling Elders in your Presbytery. If you have the opportunity, have lunch with one of the men who function as the de facto parliamentarian of your Session or Presbytery and pick his brain. Once you attend a few meetings, you will quickly learn which men have an aptitude for parliamentary work. You can do all of these things to gain experience and understanding of parliamentary procedure.
Before Presbytery meetings, read and review the materials sent out ahead of time. Read the materials, study, and do your preparatory work. Formulate your floor speeches for or against any issues. If needed, practice them ahead of time so you are more confident for the Presbytery meeting.
What Difference Does It Make?
I have seen instances where a matter was before the Presbytery, discussion ensued, and a decision was reached. Afterwards, I have talked to men who admitted they wished they had stood and spoke for or against the matter. They regretted not standing and speaking. There are some who are vague and unclear in their arguments on the floor of Presbytery and General Assembly. Oftentimes, we are afraid of other men, of their opinions, and of conflict, so we are hesitant to stand and contend. Brothers, do not be these men!
Do not be afraid to stand and contend against vagueness in the church courts. Do not be afraid to stand and contend against theological falsehoods. Do not be afraid to stand and contend for the purity of the church.
If you are a seminary student, candidate for ministry, licentiate, or intern, you should attend Presbytery meetings and observe the proceedings. As men who are training and being examined for ministry, you will one day be called upon to rule and govern Christ’s church well. Use this time to prepare for these future labors. Just as a young boy will one day be a man who cares for his bride by teaching her, praying for her, and leading her, a man preparing for ministry will one day be a minister who cares for Christ’s Bride by teaching her, praying for her, and leading her. Take this time now and learn to lead Christ’s bride well.
Conclusion
Men, you are called to serve Christ’s church as His under-shepherds. Labor diligently to serve and love Christ’s bride well. Contend in the courts of the church, for you are contending for the peace and purity of the people for whom Christ died.
