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!

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.

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