Question e - Polity and Discipline

Another characteristic of Presbyterian polity is that we are relational. We do not exist as individuals, congregations, or councils in “silos” separate from each other. In Scripture, one depiction of this is the image of the “body of Christ” found in 1 Corinthians 12. We sometimes call this interconnected church the “church universal.” Chapter 1 of the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity speaks of the relationship of the Church to Christ and of the unity of the parts of the Church. “… To be one with Christ is to be joined with all those whom Christ calls into relationship with him” (BOO, F-1.0302a). The Book of Order specifies ways that congregations and councils relate to one another, strengthening these relationships.

As individuals, too, we are connected to each other in this body. The ordination question asks, “Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit?” Those in ordered ministries are to develop relationships and be in community with others in ordered ministry.

Ruling elders and deacons work with others in the church they serve but should also seek opportunities to develop relationships with their counterparts in other congregations. This might be done by serving on a committee or commission of a higher council, when invited. Sometimes presbyteries have established ministry areas or regions that offer educational or mission events for the region. Those in ordered ministries learn from those in other churches and gain a broader vision of the church in their region. In many presbyteries clerks of session gather periodically for training and review of records. Clerks often find these relationships helpful to them in their particular setting.

Perhaps it is especially tempting for teaching elders who may serve alone in that role and apart from other teaching elders to become used to keeping their own counsel and not having a group of colleagues with whom to be in relationship. Collegial relationships are important for mutual support and accountability, and sometimes for friendship. These groups might be organized around the study of biblical texts, prayer and spirituality, or mission activities, and they might be within one’s own denomination or across denominations in a particular community. Statistics show that ministers of the Word and Sacrament who are in colleague groups are less likely to suffer from burnout or violate boundaries in their ministries.

Ministers of the Word and Sacrament are members of a presbytery, not a congregation. As ruling elders and deacons serve on committees and work groups in their congregations, ministers should serve on presbytery committees, commissions, and task forces. Such service is considered part of their responsibility under this ordination question. Sessions should encourage their pastors to serve on presbytery, synod, and General Assembly entities or to be commissioners to synod and General Assembly. Sometimes such participation requires alternate scheduling in the congregation a minister serves.

Our denomination is known by its polity. In our theological tradition, we believe that abiding by this polity sets us free to serve God more faithfully. Our polity is not meant to disrupt or limit the life of the church at any level. Instead it is a foundation that supports our mission and ministry by helping us to honor our covenants with each other as individuals, as deacons and presbyters, as congregations, as councils, and as the wider church.

For Reflection and Discussion:

Consider the ways in which becoming involved in the various councils of the church can make ministry come alive for you.

In your service as a ruling elder or deacon, how can you cultivate your relationships with your colleagues?