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What does the word "presbyterian" mean. Does it mean elder? How does the use of elders differ in Presbyterian churches vs. other churches.
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About the word "presbyterian"
- Thread starter theseed
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Yes, it's from presbuteros - the Greek word for elder. In theory at least, presbyterian churches are governed by a group of elders - rather than a single pastor/priest/minister.
It doesn't always work out in practice, though.
It doesn't always work out in practice, though.
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- Sep 5, 2005
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theseed said:
OK - as I mentioned in another thread, my confirmation classes were 35 years ago, but here goes.
Presbyterian does refer to a form of church governance and that form of government is not associated solely with the Presybterian Church.
I grew up in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the individual church was ruled by a group of elders (called the Session) elected from the church body (generally for a set period of time, i.e. 3 years). The pastor was of equal rank, but a different role - he doesn't get a "bigger" or "deciding" vote, and in fact was subject to decisions made by the board of elders. Many Presbyterian churches (including the one I grew up in) refer to all members as ministers.
I'm now a practicing Reformed Baptist. Doctrinally they are similar to Presbyterians (big exception being paedobaptism), both have their roots in the Reformation. My pastor regularly quotes John Knox (I think he does it just for my benefit too).
Can't speak for other denominations - but in mine elder/bishop/pastor/minister are considered synomyms. So the elder is a man, called of God to teach and who meets the standard set in 1 Timothy 3. We have more than 1 elder, and anticipate adding more. While certain things are under their direct rule (i.e. order of worship) we are a "congregational" church - and there are many areas where the pastors (elders) get an equal vote (i.e. voting on new elders or deacons/trustees).
Clear as mud???
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Imblessed
Reformed Baptist with a Quaker heritage
StAnselm said:Yes, it's from presbuteros - the Greek word for elder. In theory at least, presbyterian churches are governed by a group of elders - rather than a single pastor/priest/minister.
It doesn't always work out in practice, though.
that's the way our church works, but we are not presbyterians....hmmm
our elder have the authority to fire our minister if they feel he is not doing his job properly. They also have the authority to fire other paid employees of the church. The elders are voted in by the members of the church, and have a 2 year run, they can be re-voted in though. Also, anyone who wants the opportunity to become an elder, is trained for like 2 years by the elders before the congregation gets to vote on them.
It's a cool system. I like how it works.....
I don't know if this is how the presbyterian churches do it or not though....
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No. I have, of course, only scratched the surface. Because another vital part of presbyterianism is the presbytery, which is a body that includes all the ministers in a local area, plus an elder from each church. Now, ministers are accountable only to presbytery - the elders cannot fire a minister, any complaint against him must be taken to presbytery.Imblessed said:
So that's basically the main difference between a presbyterial style of government, and a congregational one...
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calmcoolandelected
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In the PCA, this type of government provides accountability beyond local congregations to the presbytery (regional) to General Assembly (which is denomination-wide).
CC&E - Be nice, I'm new here!
CC&E - Be nice, I'm new here!
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Welcome! It's good to have you here.calmcoolandelected said:
Relax, enjoy yourself, and don't get too daunted by the bigness of Christian Forums. I'm glad you've found your way to Semper Reformanda - I think you'll like it here.
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- Sep 5, 2005
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calmcoolandelected said:
Same was true in the PCUSA. I know that there have been times when the local church didn't necessarily agree w the Presbytery - but were obligated to go along w their decisions. Just like a local government might not like something imposed by a state or federal government - but (with certain exceptions) are obligated to comply.
Oh, and we're always nice
Glad to have you here - welcome to the zoo.
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reformedfan
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Really? Oh, i guess my answer of 'BS & Presbys have absolutely nothing in common' was wrong then, no toaster oven prize for me
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