PRESBYTERIANTV

   

An unofficial celebration of all the great things that happen everyday in New Zealand parishes.  We hope you enjoy this week's motivational rap (left hand side) and last week's video about closing gaps (right hand side).  Below is this month's stand-out inspirational article, what it means to be Presbyterian from www.presbyterian.org.nz:

In this allegedly post-denominational age in which we live, I am often asked what it means to be Presbyterian.

If we were to look for hidden meaning in anagrams, we might say that to be “Presbyterian” is to be “best in prayer”.

But Presbyterianism refers first and foremost to a form of church government, which ministers and elders say in their ordination vows is “agreeable to the word of God” – that is, it is Biblical.

“Presbyter” is a New Testament word, often translated as “Elder”. The Presbyterian Church is a Church ruled by elders. Ministers are sometimes called teaching elders. They are distinguished from ruling elders by their function, which is to preach, teach and administer the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion according to Christ’s command.

The Presbyterian Church therefore places a strong emphasis on corporate or shared leadership, expressed primarily through a hierarchy of Church councils. The highest (national) council is called the General Assembly; regional councils are called presbyteries, and local councils are called sessions or parish councils. The membership of each of these councils is made up of elders (including teaching elders) or parish councillors.

All well and good, you might say, but what do Presbyterians actually believe?

In expressing its belief in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, the Presbyterian Book of Order upholds an important principle: it is not what Presbyterians believe that is important, but what Christians believe. To this end, we must always be open to learn from other churches and traditions, and eager to participate in conversations with them that could lead to mutual correction and reconciliation, for none of us has a monopoly on the truth.

Advocates for cooperating parishes and union churches say this is a gift that they have been offering denominational Churches for over 30 years now.

That said, the Presbyterian Church stands within the Reformed tradition, which has been shaped by certain emphases and convictions, often forged in the fires of debate and conflict. I want to highlight just two of these:

On worship: while worship must be contextual, it should nevertheless follow Biblical patterns and principles, which will include a proper balance between Word and Sacrament. It should be Trinitarian, always upholding the mediatorial role of Christ, who is the true leader of our worship, and the work of the Holy Spirit, who unites us to Christ, enabling us to participate in his life with the Father. Thus understood, worship should transcend our inclination towards mere self-expression and should not become a forum for endless experimentation. There is nothing new here. Even Calvin advocated the use of a service book so “the capricious giddiness and levity of such as effect innovations may be prevented.”

On ministry: the call to ministry is inherent in the act of baptism. The Holy Spirit bestows on the Church diverse and complementary gifts. These are for the common good of the whole people of God and are manifested in acts of service within the community and to the world. They are not merely for our own edification and sense of self-worth.

I mention these things because I believe the narcissism or “me-centredness” of Western culture is having a deeply corrosive effect on the life of the Church. I am grateful to be part of a tradition that, in its life and witness, holds out for something far greater.

Moderator's Musings